eHam
eHam Forums => Computers And Software => Topic started by: N8TNJ on February 06, 2023, 03:38:02 PM
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A couple of friends of mine were having a friendly discussion on anti virus software. I said I have been using Avast a/v on all of my computers and never had a problem. And of course everybody had there favorite, got me to wondering what everyone else has been using on there machines. And why, also just the free ones. Tnx Sorry posted in wrong forum
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There really isn't much need for third party AV software any more. The Windoz OS ( since Win 8?)have been shipped with "Windows Defender", which works rather well. You can lock down access to folders with the Ransomware function. Ironically , the default setting is "off". When switched on, it gets a bit fussy about what apps get to write to disk, but all you have to do is put the app in the "trusted" list if you trust it.
Haven't used anything else but Defender for some years now.
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Like AC2EU, I use the included Windows Defender. Perhaps more importantly is the operating system, all our computers/laptops in the house run Windows 11 on up to date hardware (not old computers with the registry change to allow installation of Win 11 on unsuitable mother boards).
Windows 11 has improved security provided it is running on compatible hardware.
73 Dave
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This is another vote for Windows Defender. I run a Windows 10 desktop and a Windows 11 laptop and never had any issues. You may not notice it but, Windows Defender gets an update every single day. Sometimes two. My last update was 12:10 AM, today. As long as you keep up with the updates, there shouldn't be any issues.
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I,ve been using the free version of Avira for several years, before that I had Avast on my machines. No problems with either one. Can't remember why I switched from Avast to Avira. Another free program I use is Glarysoft as a sort of tune-up.
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"Free Anti Virus software"
-------- Linux ------
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Another tool to keep nasty bugs out of your computer is the internet browser and it's plug -ins.
I have Firefox set to warn me before I enter a HTTP site ( unsecured) plus I use Ublock to stop unwanted popups. Duck-duck go also has "privacy essentials" plug in that monitors browser privacy.
Then there is always the "human factor". Don't open attachments from unknown email senders! Many a company and doctors offices gets hacked this way.
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"Free Anti Virus software"
-------- Linux ------
Because there has never been a penetration on a linux machine.
Wait, having been an administrator of AS/400, POSIX compliant systems, wintel, etc. I can unequivicobly say that there isn't a secure operating system, because the end (l)users are idiots.
--Shane
WP2ASS / ex KD6VXI
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I've used the free versions of Avast & AVG for years. No problem....until recently. that problem was from Avast.
I sent Avast a "donation" for the use of their software and the pressure to renew became overwhelming. This included random 100db + tones in the middle of Youtube movies.... I am hearing impaired and have to use headphones or earbuds and these audio blasts hurt.
To add insult to injury, sometime during the what seemed like incessant pop-up screens, I must have signed up for auto-pay via PayPal. (which I used to make the "donation)
I recently found found myself short $82 and change.
Only problem in 30 years.