Anyone use 3rd party virus/internet security programs?

Ernimus Prime · Jul 20, 2022

So, I just freshly formatted my PC. And I am wondering if I should install a 3rd party internet security or virus program. I was using Kaspersky. But noticed it was blocking direct storage. I know that no games support it yet. Just wondering what you all think?

TraderGary · Jul 20, 2022

Like many on the forum, I use Microsoft Security (Defender) that's included in Windows.

FreeBooter · Jul 20, 2022

The Windows 11 security features are in place for you to use, there is no need to purchase third-party antivirus software in my view.

Superfly · Jul 20, 2022

Ernimus Prime said:
So, I just freshly formatted my PC. And I am wondering if I should install a 3rd party internet security or virus program. I was using Kaspersky. But noticed it was blocking direct storage. I know that no games support it yet. Just wondering what you all think?

Defender is OK - it will block most stuff - even some MS apps are regarded as PUP. It was built for Granny down the road to check everything even mildly suspicious.

I used Kaspersky before the Ukraine stuff. Now on Bitdefender - I dropped it after it interfered in my development and switched to Kaspersky back then but it has better heuristics now - I still had an issue, just today, with it blocking an app I developed, but it's much improved.

kgarrett67 · Jul 20, 2022

Alongside any antivirus and security software comes sound judgment when exploring the internet and downloading emails. If one thing is absolute, no one antivirus software will catch every virus out there. My first experience with antivirus software some 20+ years ago was Norton, and when it would bog down a system where it was not usable, I turned to other software to try. I used Security Essentials when Windows 7 came out. I've worked on computers for customers that used McAfee, which was good as well. Currently, I use Avast. I'm not saying that any one program is any better than the other. I rarely even get a red flag while I may get a virus after this posting; I use good judgment while on the internet. Free versions seem to work as well, but my experience is with free versions, you have to manually scan your system, whereas paid versions do that automatically. This is not true with all software, but in past years this was true.

OldMainframeGuy · Jul 20, 2022

Ernimus Prime said:
So, I just freshly formatted my PC. And I am wondering if I should install a 3rd party internet security or virus program. I was using Kaspersky. But noticed it was blocking direct storage. I know that no games support it yet. Just wondering what you all think?

In addition to Windows Defender I use Malwarebytes antimalware. I bought a lifetime license back when Malwarebytes offered them so I consider it "free" protection. It plays nicely with WD.

kgarrett67 · Jul 20, 2022

OldMainframeGuy said:
In addition to Windows Defender I use Malwarebytes antimalware. I bought a lifetime license back when Malwarebytes offered them so I consider it "free" protection. It plays nicely with WD.

Malwarebytes was always a great program for cleaning malware. I likewise had a lifetime license. I kind of lost favor with Malwarebytes when I discovered SuperAntiSpyware. I would scan using Malwarebytes and follow up with SuperAntiSpyware and it would find tons of additional junk. If I reversed the scans and followed up with Malwarebytes, it would not find much more junk. I guess personal preference mainly though.

imanlien2020 · Jul 20, 2022

Ernimus Prime said:
So, I just freshly formatted my PC. And I am wondering if I should install a 3rd party internet security or virus program. I was using Kaspersky. But noticed it was blocking direct storage. I know that no games support it yet. Just wondering what you all Everyone here will probably suggest Microsoft Defender, what comes on Windows, However I find its a pain in the arse cause for me it blocks way to much and its a pain trying to dig deep to whitelist everything. So in the past 15 years or so I have used virtually every security software out there, well the top 15 to 20 ones anyway, for me Avast Premium works perfect. Its really a personal issue. whether you like the UI or like how its laid out or the ease of whitelisting or etc etc. So I suggest trying a few out to see what works and fits your needs. There will be a million suggestions here so dont feel overwhelmed, they are just that suggestions or opinions. I can say Bitdefender works very well however there are tons of settings and it does block alot as well. Comodo Security is really good. Esets not bad. Avira is ok as well. I havent used Kaspersky in awhile so I dont know how their newer versions are.

Necrosaro · Jul 20, 2022

I use nothing, not even the defender app.

Cromax · Jul 20, 2022

No..i used nod32, kaspersky, panda, comodo, bitdefender, webroot, and few others that i cant remember.. not worth it defender is fine never had any issues.. they just slow pc to crawl

Ernimus Prime · Jul 20, 2022

I use my PC mainly for gaming. And don't dl anything like torrents etc. I'll try just defender for now. My Kaspersky license is still good for about 110 days.

Superfly · Jul 20, 2022

Ernimus Prime said:
I use my PC mainly for gaming. And don't dl anything like torrents etc. I'll try just defender for now. My Kaspersky license is still good for about 110 days.

kgarrett67 said:
Malwarebytes was always a great program for cleaning malware. I likewise had a lifetime license. I kind of lost favor with Malwarebytes when I discovered SuperAntiSpyware. I would scan using Malwarebytes and follow up with SuperAntiSpyware and it would find tons of additional junk. If I reversed the scans and followed up with Malwarebytes, it would not find much more junk. I guess personal preference mainly though.

Different algorithms.. apples and pears...

Cromax said:
No..i used nod32, kaspersky, panda, comodo, bitdefender, webroot, and few others that i cant remember.. not worth it defender is fine never had any issues.. they just slow pc to crawl

Defender is not exactly light on resources... only McAfee I found to be a resource hog.

Ernimus Prime said:
I use my PC mainly for gaming. And don't dl anything like torrents etc. I'll try just defender for now. My Kaspersky license is still good for about 110 days.

Yep. Do what makes you comfortable. I have a Firewall app. as well, but that's just because I like being in control... LOL

Cromax · Jul 20, 2022

Superfly said:
..snip

Bro i completely removed defender, literally deleted services and defender folder and from my own xp defender is fine compared to others. I know what i am talking about.. cause i listened also ppl talking about defender being a hog so i tried by myself... and its not as they say it is..

Superfly · Jul 20, 2022

Cromax said:
Bro i completely removed defender, literally deleted services and defender folder and from my own xp defender is fine compared to others. I know what i am talking about

OK, bro.. I misread your statement then... my bad

jvickers · Jul 20, 2022

I use Norton 360. No problems, and I don't notice it hogging resources. Not to say it doesn't - I just don't notice it.

Cromax · Jul 20, 2022

jvickers said:
I use Norton 360. No problems, and I don't notice it hogging resources. Not to say it doesn't - I just don't notice it.

I also felt that when i used webroot until i uninstalled it, even though it uses less resources than defender, after I reinstalled defender just felt snappier..

WXC · Jul 21, 2022

Ernimus Prime said:
So, I just freshly formatted my PC. And I am wondering if I should install a 3rd party internet security or virus program. I was using Kaspersky. But noticed it was blocking direct storage. I know that no games support it yet. Just wondering what you all think?

I run Windows Security, supplemented with Malwarebytes Premium.

Together, the two work well for me. Of course, it is subjective to each person's needs.

I'm confident you'll find what works best for you. Good luck.

imanlien2020 · Jul 21, 2022

jvickers said:
I use Norton 360. No problems, and I don't notice it hogging resources. Not to say it doesn't - I just don't notice it.

I used Norton once on my PC about 15 years ago, and at that time I had to reinstall my Windows because it literally infiltrated everything and messed it up. I could not uninstall it. And at that time that was what most people were saying is.."dont install Norton or youll never get it off your PC" well they were right. But as I said 15 years ago, maybe their software isnt that way now? IDK..

jimbo45 · Jul 21, 2022

I'm sure many do and many don't. Windows security has advanced by leaps and bounds since W7 days -- and the whole nature of threats has changed.

Professional hackers are targeting big corporations and national / international infrastructure while the threat to individuals has changed from routine malware to fraud, scams, identity theft and the like.

Just use what you want to but for a bog standard domestic user just using internet sensibly there's really no need for anything extra than WD these days,

Cheers
jimbo

KWEB · Jul 21, 2022

Along with Malwarebytes (not a real antivirus) I have used Emsisoft for a few years until they dumped their forum, couple weeks ago. I switched to Bitdefender which seems to be running ok. I have never used a freeware AV and don't plan to. I had Outpost until it sold to a Russian ISP many years ago.