Yes, an antivirus is necessary for security.
Yes, an antivirus is necessary for security.
The worst PCs I encounter are the ones that frequently download torrents without verifying and act carelessly. No matter which antivirus software is installed, I've noticed many running Norton, McAffee or Avast!, yet these programs failed to block any threats.
Windows Defender handles the task effectively (8.1 Pro version).
I rarely encounter viruses, but I occasionally run into strange "Fake Flash Update" alerts while browsing. These are usually caught by my antivirus when visiting untrusted websites, especially from ads that slipped through adblock filters. I tend to avoid downloading from unknown sources and always read comments before proceeding. If there are no reports, I test it in a virtual machine first.
The primary reason I keep antivirus software is that it includes internet protection, which helps block unwanted programs or games from connecting to the web. Unlike the built-in Windows Firewall, it shows a popup when you try to access the internet and lets you decide instantly. By default, it handles things automatically without asking for your input, which I preferred.
In short, common sense works best with antivirus protection. No matter which program you use, reckless actions can lead to infections. I've relied on Norton for years, and it performs well without consuming much system resources—especially since 2008. Plus, I only pay for a six-month trial and renew it regularly.
Even though it's free now, I appreciate the hassle-free background operation and the fact it’s still highly rated in independent tests. Anyone who dismisses Norton should be reminded that ignoring updates and not installing another antivirus after the license ends can be risky, especially on a new machine.
Antivirus software is merely a superficial *dramatic soundtrack* :blink: even the simplest free version can work. But you’re aware of what’s happening these days. Whether it’s a virus or not, the ones you rely on are often the ones who take advantage in the end. :mellow: a ninja can see the monsters hiding inside everyone’s mind.
No one has mentioned avira recently. MSE seems to be another tool, but I’m not sure I’d rely on it. Most people here focus on Malwarebytes. Is it reliable? Does it cover antivirus and spyware too?