Do I really need anti-virus with Windows 8?

[jfelano]

I've been running Win8 for about 9 months. I've also been using Kaspersky Internet Security, but it really slows down my computer, especially booting up to where it's useable. I've been told Windows 8 has it's own built in Security and I don't need additional.

Do I really need it when it comes up for re-subscription?

 

[lxskllr]

Only you can answer that. I would never pay for AV software on Windows, and I've become disenchanted the whole concept. AV software is reactive, and mostly protects people from themselves. It catches the low hanging fruit that should have been caught by a human paying attention. I prefer locking my machine down, and using common sense. mechBgon's guide is a good place to start.

http://www.mechbgon.com/build/security2.html

I guess what I'd do is run MSE(assuming it runs without me knowing it's there), and common sense. I wouldn't rely on MSE, but if it's unobtrusive, it can't hurt, and might help.

 

[Kaido]

If you're going to surf the Internet, you should definitely have anti-virus. Windows 8 comes with free anti-virus software from Microsoft called Defender. It's not the best package available, but it's free and doesn't choke your system. Instructions here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2325766

I'd also recommend installing Malwarebytes Pro ($25, but often goes on sale for $15). It has a realtime module for catching spyware. When used in conjunction with Windows Defender for anti-virus, you get a good pair that doesn't kill your system performance, but does a pretty good job of blocking spyware & viruses:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832562003

If you want to get serious about it from a browser perspective, switch to Google Chrome and create a shortcut on your desktop to Incognito Mode (this prevents cookies from being stored & prevents a lot of extensions from automatically loading, like toolbars) and then changed the Advanced settings to "Click-to-play" for plugins, so stuff like Flash, Acrobat, and Java don't run automatically.

That's my basic setup when I setup home computer systems. The antivirus is free; Malwarebytes is a one-time fee of $25. The browser's Incognito & Click-to-play Plugin settings help cut off other annoyances. So it's pretty basic & low-hassle in actual use.

 

[nickbits]

Need? No.

I pretty much agree with lxskllr.

 

[Mem]

I've been running Win8 for about 9 months. I've also been using Kaspersky Internet Security, but it really slows down my computer, especially booting up to where it's useable. I've been told Windows 8 has it's own built in Security and I don't need additional.

Do I really need it when it comes up for re-subscription?

I use Avast 2014 free and Malwarebytes free version(run a scan now and then) on Win8.1.

Avast 2014 is very lightweight and one of the best free AVs out there.

http://www.avast.com/en-gb/compare-...Search_Brand&gclid=CP61w9-bgLsCFWsTwwodDgQAZw


Defender in Win8 is your basic AV by Microsoft,its better then nothing but far from the best even against free versions like Avast.

 

[lxskllr]

If you want to get serious about it from a browser perspective, switch to Google Chrome and create a shortcut on your desktop to Incognito Mode (this prevents cookies from being stored & prevents a lot of extensions from automatically loading, like toolbars) and then changed the Advanced settings to "Click-to-play" for plugins, so stuff like Flash, Acrobat, and Java don't run automatically.

Chrome is spyware, and is setup to guide you towards giving data to Google. It takes active measures and conscientiousness to not leak data. Also, the addons aren't as extensive, nor as robust. It's easier to lock down Firefox variants with greater certainty.

 

[Kaido]

Chrome is spyware, and is setup to guide you towards giving data to Google. It takes active measures and conscientiousness to not leak data. Also, the addons aren't as extensive, nor as robust. It's easier to lock down Firefox variants with greater certainty.

Definitely plenty of options out there. Iron Browser is a nice stripped version of Chrome, and Pale Moon has been making a lot of progress in the Firefox community.

 

[balloonshark]

How much RAM does your system have? Your profile says 8GB. Is that correct?
Is KIS set to scan on boot?
Was there a time that your machine ran fine with KIS installed?

 

[NTMBK]

Depends how much porn you watch.

 

[Kaido]

There's a nice antivirus sale over in Hot Deals:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2355397

$5 for your choice of 10 different antivirus packages.

 

[jfelano]

Depends how much porn you watch.

LOTS!

 

[jfelano]

How much RAM does your system have? Your profile says 8GB. Is that correct?
Is KIS set to scan on boot?
Was there a time that your machine ran fine with KIS installed?

Yes 8GB. Yes it's set to scan on boot. It is horrendously slow to boot though and acts retarded if you try to click something. It's literally like 4 minutes before it's ready.

It was not like that before, even with Kaspersky installed.

 

[Aldon]

Antivirus software uses the uncertainty of a human being as a method to sell you their product(s). Yes, viruses exists, but if stupidity lets you down, not even the most expensive program can safe you.

 

[jfelano]

If you're going to surf the Internet, you should definitely have anti-virus. Windows 8 comes with free anti-virus software from Microsoft called Defender. It's not the best package available, but it's free and doesn't choke your system. Instructions here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2325766

I'd also recommend installing Malwarebytes Pro ($25, but often goes on sale for $15). It has a realtime module for catching spyware. When used in conjunction with Windows Defender for anti-virus, you get a good pair that doesn't kill your system performance, but does a pretty good job of blocking spyware & viruses:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832562003

If you want to get serious about it from a browser perspective, switch to Google Chrome and create a shortcut on your desktop to Incognito Mode (this prevents cookies from being stored & prevents a lot of extensions from automatically loading, like toolbars) and then changed the Advanced settings to "Click-to-play" for plugins, so stuff like Flash, Acrobat, and Java don't run automatically.

That's my basic setup when I setup home computer systems. The antivirus is free; Malwarebytes is a one-time fee of $25. The browser's Incognito & Click-to-play Plugin settings help cut off other annoyances. So it's pretty basic & low-hassle in actual use.

How can I create a incognito mode chrome shortcut on my desktop?

 

[ImpulsE69]

I can without a doubt tell you that my wife has gotten way more malware and viruses from every day sights like "quilting" and "coupon" sites than I've EVER got from porn and/or other illegitimate sites. :biggrin:

I'm fixing her crap every other week.

 

[Kaido]

How can I create a incognito mode chrome shortcut on my desktop?

Right-click on the desktop icon and go to Properties. I think it shows the path in the Target field. Just add a space at the end and add "-incognito" and save it. Every time you launch it, it will open in Incognito mode. The upside/downside of this is that it does not save your browsing history, so if you want to go back to a site you were visiting earlier and can't remember what it was, tough luck. But it also erases all cookies after you close the window, and also prevents most (not all) extensions from loading, so if you do get toolbar-bombed, it's not quite so bad.

The Click-to-play option is also really nice because it prevents Flash, Java, and Acrobat from automatically loading, so annoying ads won't load.

 

[Kaido]

I can without a doubt tell you that my wife has gotten way more malware and viruses from every day sights like "quilting" and "coupon" sites than I've EVER got

...

I'm fixing her crap every other week.

Chromebook

 

[Chiefcrowe]

You can also set firefox to have everything to click to play. Definitely would recommend that!

Right-click on the desktop icon and go to Properties. I think it shows the path in the Target field. Just add a space at the end and add "-incognito" and save it. Every time you launch it, it will open in Incognito mode. The upside/downside of this is that it does not save your browsing history, so if you want to go back to a site you were visiting earlier and can't remember what it was, tough luck. But it also erases all cookies after you close the window, and also prevents most (not all) extensions from loading, so if you do get toolbar-bombed, it's not quite so bad.

The Click-to-play option is also really nice because it prevents Flash, Java, and Acrobat from automatically loading, so annoying ads won't load.

 

[Berliner]

I would go for an AV that does not bog your system down.

Have you tried AVG free, for example?

 

[lxskllr]

I can without a doubt tell you that my wife has gotten way more malware and viruses from every day sights like "quilting" and "coupon" sites than I've EVER got from porn and/or other illegitimate sites. :biggrin:

I'm fixing her crap every other week.

That's not unexpected. Quilters will tend to be less sophisticated, so the sites are a good way to deliver malware. Coupons too, but to a lesser degree. That's made up by the "get something for nothing" modifier. Warez, music, screensavers, and video also fall under that category.

I saw Chromebook suggested. I'd suggest AnybookUwant with GNU/Linux instead. Install it once, and that'll be the last time you deal with it.

 

[XiandreX]

I use Avast 2014 free and Malwarebytes free version(run a scan now and then) on Win8.1.

Avast 2014 is very lightweight and one of the best free AVs out there.

http://www.avast.com/en-gb/compare-...Search_Brand&gclid=CP61w9-bgLsCFWsTwwodDgQAZw


Defender in Win8 is your basic AV by Microsoft,its better then nothing but far from the best even against free versions like Avast.

I am using Avast free 2014 as well and its been a pleasure to use. It doesn't seem to slow my system down at all. I also have spybot search and destroy installed if I want to run a full check.

So in summary +1 to Avast free edition

 

[balloonshark]

Yes 8GB. Yes it's set to scan on boot. It is horrendously slow to boot though and acts retarded if you try to click something. It's literally like 4 minutes before it's ready.

It was not like that before, even with Kaspersky installed.

You should be able to get into the options/settings and turn off or delete the scheduled boot scan. If you do this remember to scan regularly or create a new scan time in the schedule.

If that doesn't fix the problem download a fresh copy of KIS, uninstall your current version of KIS, reboot twice and then install the fresh copy.

If you're surfing risky sites I highly recommend Sandboxie. I've been using it for years to stay safe while browsing, opening pdf's, etc. It is not an AV, it's basically a container for your browsing session. http://www.sandboxie.com/

Also, if you think your infected download another reputable on-demand only scanner and do a scan before uninstalling KIS. MalwareBytes free is a good option.

 

[JEDIYoda]

In Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Defender provides the same level of protection against malware as Microsoft Security Essentials. You can't use Microsoft Security Essentials with Windows 8 and Windows RT, but you don't need to—Windows Defender is already included and ready to go.

 

[JEDIYoda]

I am running windows 7 on my wife`s laptop...I just replaced Avast with BitDefender.....she has had no issues since!

I replaced Avast on my new Windows 8.1 rig and switched to Bitdefender....again I have never looked back!!

 

[jfelano]

Right-click on the desktop icon and go to Properties. I think it shows the path in the Target field. Just add a space at the end and add "-incognito" and save it. Every time you launch it, it will open in Incognito mode. The upside/downside of this is that it does not save your browsing history, so if you want to go back to a site you were visiting earlier and can't remember what it was, tough luck. But it also erases all cookies after you close the window, and also prevents most (not all) extensions from loading, so if you do get toolbar-bombed, it's not quite so bad.

The Click-to-play option is also really nice because it prevents Flash, Java, and Acrobat from automatically loading, so annoying ads won't load.

Ok I don't have a icon on my desktop, it's in my taskbar at the bottom, and right click does not bring up properties and I cannot drag it to my desktop.