Need advice on free antivirus program

[jbubb]

I've read most of the antivirus programs in the FAQ but the latest entry was 3 years ago. I was wondering if a good current antivirus program could be suggested. I noticed in the FAQ that there are many different ones members on here use. I have the latest version of windows 10 if that matters. I'm using windows defender at the present.

[Allan]

Here is a link to the latest reliable test & comparison results: https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/

You'll see that Defender has come a long way and is highly rated. Personally, I've been using Kaspersky products for many years and am 100% pleased with them, but in the end there are a lot of good choices these days.

But what's more important, "smart computing" is the single factor that is most critical to "safe computing" regardless of which anti virus solution you select.

[jbubb]

Thanks Allen, it is much appreciated.

[jbubb]

I downloaded and installed Avast but noticed windows defender is still on?

[Allan]

I'd be surprised if Defender is still active - typically 3rd party av's will disable Defender. Perhaps it's just the firewall that you're seeing?

[jbubb]

It is the firewall, I thought it was like the antivirus. I guess I wasn't using windows defender after all, I typed in the search bar and it looks like you have to download defender in order to use it. Would that be right?

[jbubb]

OK, I guess I just thought I was protected by windows defender. I typed in W defender and saw that Avast was in control but it also said I could run defender with it for periodical scans. I turned it on and ran a scan.

[Allan]

I think you've got it now, but just to confirm - Defender is part of W10 and you were protected by it until you installed Avast. The AV module is now disabled but the firewall is still active. But again, there's no reason to not just use Defender instead of Avast - it's perfectly adequate. Anyway, stay safe

[jbubb]

Thanks Allen.

[Allan]

👍

[patio]

Just a side note i would add MBAM to your arsenal...
I been usin Defender on 3 rigs for over 4 years and have never had issues...

[jbubb]

I do have MBAM and use it regularly. I don't always get the free 14 day trial though. I did use windows Defender for about a year with no problems but thought maybe a different anti virus program was needed. I thought I'd give Avast a try. I like to be notified when my anti virus detects or stops something and Avast just did that. I don't remember WD doing that.

[jbubb]

Update: I deleted Avast for Bit Defender, Avast was driving me crazy with wanting me to upgrade and Bit Defender isn't much better. I might change to another free one down the road.

[patio]

Why not just stik with Win Defender and MBAM ? ?
As i said i have 3 PC's with those and have had Zero issues for years...

[Allan]

+1
Why the sudden need to address a problem that doesn't exist?

[jbubb]

Patio: are you talking about Windows Defender? Windows Defender has been described as less than Avast or Bit Defender. The reason I changed antivirus programs was because of that. I surf pretty cleanly but there is always a chance for me to mess up. I may eventually go back to Windows Defender and MBAM, time will tell.

Allen: I didn't know whether a problem existed or not because Windows Defender is pretty much silent and MVAM trial period isn't always available.

[patio]

Windows Defender is ranked above both the ones you tried...just sayin.

[Allan]

Patio: are you talking about Windows Defender? Windows Defender has been described as less than Avast or Bit Defender. The reason I changed antivirus programs was because of that. I surf pretty cleanly but there is always a chance for me to mess up. I may eventually go back to Windows Defender and MBAM, time will tell.

Allen: I didn't know whether a problem existed or not because Windows Defender is pretty much silent and MVAM trial period isn't always available.

Did you look at the link in the second post above? Defender is highly rated. And if there was a problem, you'd know it

[jbubb]

OK, thanks. I read where Windows Defender wasn't ranked above them but will change back if you use it.