Windows 8: Defender + SmartScreen, versus 3rd party anti-virus
Posted by: Disposable hero on 07 May 2013
Hi, just a quick query to get an idea about Windows 8 for prospective new owners. Windows 8 supposedly has an adequate built-in protection against computer viruses or other malware in the form of Windows Defender + SmartScreen.
If internet usage is limited to some innocuous and trivial domestic things like general browsing, occasional online shopping or internet banking (1 provider) will the above be good enough?
Is it a necessity for a Windows 8 computer to still have some sort of third party anti-virus/malware software bought and installed?
Thank you.
I'd never personally trust a Microsoft system alone. I'd always want extra protection.
There is no such thing as 'innocous' web browsing. You only have to open when email....
I have used AVG free on my Windows PC's. Not sure if AVG do a win 8 compatible version but I'd be surprised if not.
I have a win 8 laptop and it came with McAfee bundled.
Shut off the windows one....download all security updates via windows update including the updates for the scanning tool that Microsoft uses....
Lastly, download two more programs...malwarebytes and 10bit ultimate ....both have free versions but, I suggest the paid versions. These work very well together and have kept me clean....
The private firewall has a learning feature...use it...
Regards
marc
One of the best strategies to protect yourself against some of the worst viruses, trojans or whatever, regardless of which protection you use is to configure your computer in a safe way. (If you are using any form of Windows).
The important thing is to configure at least two users, e.g. DonRestricted, and DonAdmin.
In DonAdmin you give full administrator privileges. In DonRestricted, you don't.
Obviously you need to be in DonAdmin to install and update programmes ("Apps" for <30 years old).
But for all daily usage, log in to DonRestricted. If you do download a nasty it will not be able to install itself, and it will make you aware it is trying. At least that is the theory.
Don, downtown York
One of the best strategies to protect yourself against some of the worst viruses, trojans or whatever, regardless of which protection you use is to configure your computer in a safe way. (If you are using any form of Windows).
The important thing is to configure at least two users, e.g. DonRestricted, and DonAdmin.
In DonAdmin you give full administrator privileges. In DonRestricted, you don't.
Obviously you need to be in DonAdmin to install and update programmes ("Apps" for <30 years old).
But for all daily usage, log in to DonRestricted. If you do download a nasty it will not be able to install itself, and it will make you aware it is trying. At least that is the theory.
Don, downtown York
Don
Brilliant idea.
The one concern I have is under DonAdmin you leave yourself open to attack. Using private firewall, the program will announce any change during any user and ask if you really want to do this or that. In addition, will alert you to any reg changes about to happen and ask your permission.
In my mind,this way may be a bit more holistic.
The program learns the programs you use and becomes "aware".....
regards,
Marc
Marc
I do not propose not using a firewall nor anti-virus. I use Kaspersky myself.
It is just one more line of defence.
When I am in Admin mode I do not use the net except for updating programmes &c. And I am very careful. I feel I can relax more in Restricted mode as less harm, in theory, can occur.
don
Disposable Hero
I think, sadly, you have to live with the fact that if you use any windows system, you are a potential victim of cyber attack.
I have a daily routine of manually updating Microsoft SSE and scan twice daily. I also use 2 anti malware systems and I do one scan/update on one of these daily. In theory I am relatively safe.
Having said that, my PC has been hijacked twice by a Ransomeware Trojan and it was picked up on a safe site.
We use a MacBook Pro when we are abroad and we have never had the slightest hint of trouble on that. Overall we use the Mac more than the windows pc but the hassle is always with the windows.
I think it is a false hope thinking you will ever be 100% safe on windows.
Regards
Mick
You are of course right Mick. But we have to do our best.
This may help the debate -
http://blogs.computerworld.com...l-antivirus-software
Don, overcast downtown York
PS how do you insert links on this forum without going into Html?
Disposable Hero
I think, sadly, you have to live with the fact that if you use any windows system, you are a potential victim of cyber attack.
I have a daily routine of manually updating Microsoft SSE and scan twice daily. I also use 2 anti malware systems and I do one scan/update on one of these daily. In theory I am relatively safe.
Having said that, my PC has been hijacked twice by a Ransomeware Trojan and it was picked up on a safe site.
We use a MacBook Pro when we are abroad and we have never had the slightest hint of trouble on that. Overall we use the Mac more than the windows pc but the hassle is always with the windows.
I think it is a false hope thinking you will ever be 100% safe on windows.
Regards
Mick
Windows is shite and I gave my macbook air to my daughter because I hated that too. Mac makes up 20% of the market. If it was "that" good in the eyes of the consumer,the brand would have a much higher market share. Their I pod and I phone saved the company...not the computers....never the less, Linux is a more secure platform to use.
However, I think if Mac had 80% of the market, the hackers and malcontents would be already terrorizing the Mac os.......no computer is completely secure ...no network can not be hacked .....any system, any computer can be compromised. Just like the home with the security sign outside. The intruders will normally choose the home without the security. And even if what we have is comparable to barking dogs as security measures, it sure seems to work.....for me and my networks.
Regards
marc
Thanks for the ideas and tips on this, I'll look more in to some of the free solutions rather than buying something.
Without wishing overstay my welcome on this thread, there is one further protective measure one can take.
1) Get a visa or mastercard account which you and your partner use only for on-line transactions.
2) Set the limit on the account at say £500.
No it's not nice getting ripped off to that amount by it's better than bankruptcy.
By using the said account for only on-line transactions it is easier to see how the money is spent - spurious payments are going to be more visible.
Don overcast downtown York
Not sure about the current Microsoft Anti virus and malware software but MSE got slated last year by a virus testing company as being pretty bad for picking up nasties.