I don't advise using windows, though.I would suggest Tails, or Qubes as the OS of choice.
Posted on 02/09/2019 9:10:48 PM PST by ducttape45
I have just reprogrammed a laptop for a friend. When I did, of course Windows 10 was reinstalled on it, and of course Windows Defender was also reinstalled as well.
With all the news coming out lately about Windows Defender interfering with Windows Updates, and of course most of us know just how reliable (I'm trying really hard not to throw up on my keyboard right now) Windows Defender is, I'm trying to find a newer, better, SIMPLER Internet Security program.
I've used AVG myself for many years but it's getting to the point where I hate to use it now, especially now that they no longer support their older software which I found easier to work with than their newer stuff.
I tried the newer version of Norton Security and found it to be too intrusive and I hate it when the program does background tasks that I didn't tell it to do. I like to be able to control my software.
So I'm on the hunt for a simpler, easier to use, Internet Security program, something along the lines of the older AVG, 2017 version and older. It doesn't need to run a dozen different modules, and it needs to have a simple interface.
I'm going to post this and get online and start searching (again) but I wanted to put this out there and see if fellow Freepers can lend a hand.
Thanks.
I haven’t run an AV in many, many years. Active antivirus is in itself a form of malware; I’ve never seen any other type of program suck up so many resources on a constant basis for no real benefit.
What I do:
1) Scan every so often with Malwarebytes. I do NOT let it run all the time, only when I call for it.
2) Use Brave browser. (Used to use Firefox with NoScript/Adblock, but they’ve gone SJW so screw em.)
3) Steer clear of sketchy sites, especially anything that will send you involuntarily to a third party site.
4) Never click on an email link from a party I don’t recognize.
Last actual detection of malware was well over two years ago, and that had a specific cause in a site I was checking out for a client because it was hacked and they wanted me to fix it.
Last actual detection of malware when I wasn’t specifically on a job fixing malware: Before I got this computer, which is ~8 years old now.
Be smart and malware is a non-issue.
CNET is terrible and will actually fill your computer with malware itself, by attaching unwanted programs to anything you download.
Do it. Do it now. If you use CNET downloads your computer is probably stuffed to the hilt with PUPs and trackers.
As God is my witness, I will NEVER use any product with “Norton” in the name or Symantec as the source.
I have no way of knowing if that is true but have discontinued Malwarebytes on desktop and laptop. As an aside, Malwarebytes is no longer as inexpensive as it once was.
I have also read that using them together can create a blind spot. No way of knowing if this is true so proceed with caution re: this info.
Been using Windows Defender exclusively for about 5 years w/o a hitch - even with my Win10 machines.
I read the tech blogs I have seen no news coming out lately about Windows Defender interfering with Windows Updates.
Actually, no, enlighten me.
I also use Windows Defender, but about every month or two, I run Trend Micro’s House Call (free). No single AV will catch everything. The typical AV looks for nasties less than a year to a year and a half old; House Call is a bit slower, but it’s because it looks for nasties going back many years. You need a new free copy every time you run it, but that’s OK, it’s free.
I’m running Win 7 Professional, it was recommended to use C Cleaner to get rid of cookies. It’s a PAIN IN THE TUSH. It deletes certain passwords. Like FR or news sites.
Any suggestion to a much easier to use one that is not going to delete anything but the unwanted spyware cookies?
You have the CCleaner options correct?
I use Win 7 Pro with CCleaner and do not have the problem you describe.
establish a new administrative login and covert your existing login account (administrative by default) to a Limited User login account (which is unable to alter the OS or programs), and use your original, now Limited User login for all daily work, using the new administrative login account only for system maintenance/changes/adds/removes.
Remove all antivirus programs and disable Windows Defender and OS updates. You’ll have a stable, nearly bullet-proof system ...
What about Comodo? Has anyone had any experience with that?
And you can easily delay updates for up to 35 days. 35 days. Go to Settings>Update and security>Windows update>Advanced options.
I use Webroot https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products/av
$30 a year for 1 device. $37.49 for 3 devices. Also stops ransomware.
Also get Malwarebytes for anti spyware and now anti-virus and protects against ransomware. https://www.malwarebytes.com/products/
CCleaner should not delete passwords by default. From the left menu, select Cleaner, then uncheck "Saved Passwords" for your browsers and your applications (under the Applications tab). Firefox will be under Applications.
I prefer CCleaner Slim to the basic free version, as it does not add a toolbar.
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds
Sorry, but I don't know any great alternatives to CCleaner. Bleachbit does some of the same stuff, but it can be dangerous.
I'm tired of AVG.
I've seen a lot about Malwarebytes over the years and I may try it but it may be overkill. We'll see. If WebRoot works ok it will be my product of choice.
Thanks for the suggestion. I was beginning to give up hope of finding something.
dayglored, have you any input here?
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