Security Programs

[shirokado]

Is there a reason to pay for security programs on Windows 7 or Windows 8? Windows 8 comes with microsoft security essential installed, and windows 7 allows free download of microsoft security essential. And from what I've seen, it detects malware/viruses and gets rid of it really well. So is there a need to pay for virus programs? Is there some kind of advantage?

[majorawsome]

Not really IMO. I still have a firewall installed though. As long as you know what you're downloading and going to you should be fine.

[Joeytyndale]

I agree. I only use Microsoft Security Essentials and it works great. Sometimes it can be a bit overprotective but that's good if you want to stay secure. In fact I find that most paid programs can be malicious in some way. Especially if your license runs out they will constantly bug you saying that there are security risks when in fact there are none. They just want you to keep paying them. So my opinion is to stick with the free programs as they are not only just as good as paid ones but sometimes even better.

[Inject]

Depends on the end user.

 

If the user isn't to great at safely surfing the web (IE: a parent, grandmother, children), then yeah potentially.

 

However, with the vast amout of free AV's probably not. Personally I just use "Web Of Trust" which is a search engine link scanner of sorts. It's like siteadvisor but siteadvisor sold out.

I also use Malwarebytes Pro.

 

I've however, not got a virus is probably over 5 years. So like I said it depends on the user. I'm very good at surfing the web safe, some aren't. I'd recommend however at least one scanner on your PC.

Weather it be free Malwarebytes or something else.

[godlikegohan]

the words ( security essentials) tells me..it gives you the  bare, “essential” minimums in security.. but for Free

if you want better security and peace of mind   . then you need to pay for it.

http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/security-software/307816-microsoft-security-essentials-tanks-another-antivirus-test

[neon]

There's no reason to pay for antivirus in my book, the free versions do the job perfectly well, I use Avast and have Malwarebytes as a backup scanner (which I would even if I payed for AV).

A lot of the included stuff in payed 'Internet Security' is nothing but redundant bloat, Windows has a firewall (so does my router), it has built in parental controls, all browsers automatically protect you from phishing sites already, plus payed for AV/IS comes very close to scareware '21 tracking cookies found click to remove' very underhand.

It's been known for a while now that the 'Internet Security' bit is basically a waste of money and all you need is the Anti Virus portion (which they sell for cheaper), which is exactly what the free versions give you.

[prodigydoo]

not really, you shouldnt need anything else as long as you are aware of what your downloading..

 

as neon mentioned Malwarebytes makes a great scanner for free http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[solosdk]

I can get you Norton Internet Security 2013 for free. It's REALLY good and blocks ANY virus and has a strong firewall! PM me for more info!

[godlikegohan]

The AV-TEST Institute is a leading international and independent service provider in the fields of IT security and anti-virus research

they did test on all antivirus programs. a good read

 

 

http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/home-user/windows-7/novdec-2012/