Are you concerned about security? It’s wise to consider antivirus software to protect your device and data.
Are you concerned about security? It’s wise to consider antivirus software to protect your device and data.
When using Windows 8.1, adding security tools is unnecessary because it already includes them by default (such as Windows Defender).
Luckily, once Microsoft added a complete AV solution to Windows (Windows Defender version 8.1), the requirement for a separate antivirus program greatly decreased. Your current setup is likely the best fit for most users. Keep in mind that Windows Defender in Windows 7 only covers basic protection against spyware and ads—not a full antivirus package. Originally, Microsoft Security Essentials provided that, but for some unclear reason, they renamed it to another product, adding unnecessary confusion for users.
I don't rely on them. I only encountered a single redirect virus. That means you don't necessarily need them if you stay cautious. For extra security, yes.
If you're avoiding downloading risky software on your PC (pr0n, Minecraft mods, etc.), Windows Defender and the free Malwarebytes version should suffice. They're not the most secure option. I suggest using a free antivirus like Avast instead. Regular Malwarebytes scans are still beneficial. Nice build overall!
I’d suggest using the mom’s spam filters as a starting point; Windows Defender or MSE would cover most needs. Training them to avoid suspicious messages is ideal, but in 2015 it’s possible to encounter viruses/malware even with careful browsing, so a simple antivirus solution remains essential.
It's accurate, I rarely encounter spam in my Gmail inbox except for emails I've officially subscribed to. I used Hotmail before; it was consistently full of unwanted messages for a long time, which made sense given its age and the fact that I received it as a child. I believe Outlook Email has improved its spam filters recently, though I can't confirm for sure.