Prior to Windows 8, previous versions of Microsoft Windows would keep bugging you to install an anti-virus program. But now, Windows 10 comes with a built in antivirus called Windows Defender. But is it good enough to really protect your system?
We all know we need an anti-virus program. It’s not good enough to think you are safe about your browsing habits. Regardless of how careful you are, your system will be prone to attacks. In fact, you need more than just a good antivirus program. You should also have a anti-malware program as well. Together, these will protect you against most of the biggest threats on the Internet today like viruses, spyware, unwanted programs and ransomware.
With all the choices available both free and paid, which one should you be using? We’ll start by considering the antivirus first.
You don’t have to install Windows Defender, it comes automatically with Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 and is set to on by default. It will automatically scan for problems in the background and doesn’t bog down your system. It updates virus definitions through Windows Update.
At one point Windows Defender lagged behind compared to other programs and solutions, but it’s bounced back and provides excellent protection. In fact at one point we did not recommend it at all, but in a recent AV-TEST it still caught 99.9% of the “widespread and prevalent malware” in April 2017, and also caught 98.8% of zero-day attacks.
While other anti-virus programs may occasionally do a bit better, they also come with a lot of bloatware, like browser extensions that actually make you less safe. registry cleaners that are totally unnecessary loads of junkware, and the ability to track your browsing habits so they can make money.
In the past these free solutions attempted to monetize their software simply by nagging you to upgrade to the Pro version at a fee. Now however, they’re pulling out all the stops to make money. Not simply by adding spyware and selling your browsing habits to advertisers, but by a few other tricks like changing your default search engine to one of their own. They make money when you click on the ads. They occasionally brand this as “secure search” but you’re actually just using an inferior search engine so they can make money.
They also will attempt to change your homepage to one of their own directing your to sites that make them money.
This can be just the tip of the iceberg of the little tricks up their sleeve to make money from you.
The bottom line is free anti-virus is not free at all. Windows defender however, does none of those things. It just protects the operating system from the bad guys. Microsoft already made their money when you bought your operating system or computer. It’s in their best interest to make the user experience as hassle free as possible to keep their client base happy.
That being said, regardless of the antivirus software you choose, you should supplement it with anti-malware. One of the best known is Malware Bytes. This 1-2 punch is the best way to protect your system. On it’s own, it’s not recommended as a replacement for your antivirus program as it doesn’t offer real-time scanning.
Malwarebytes doesn’t install a bunch of freeware on your system and it’s free version allows for full but manual scanning. It even detects much of the freeware installed by other programs. It does have a professional paid version for more of a full-features product.
In combination with antivirus like Windows Defender, but remember, it’s not a stand alone antivirus program. Despite some claims to the contrary.
Our official recommendation for Windows 10 is the combination of the Windows Defender built into your system along with Malwarebytes. Remember, if you choose the free version of Malwarebytes you’ll have total protection with no cost!
If your computer does get a virus – Who ya gonna call? 
We offer virus removal and computer repair right here in Sudbury. Feel free to give us a call at 705-988-5755.