Windows Defender Anti Virus

Vic41 · Guru

Windows Defender Anti Virus

Bruce and Bev · Guru

It should already be loaded and fully download automatically with your 1st auto download or when you run any registered software like "Office" and it does an auto download then

I don't find it very effective at all and feedback from the IT nerds I know reckon its a big risk using it as your only means of protection. My son, who is an IT software writer tested it on a cheap laptop and while Defender seemed to be working, within about 2 weeks it was so corrupted with malware, that the device wouldn't even turn on and he had to do whatever they do to clean it up and get it running again.

I know you specifically weren't interested in alternatives, but having bagged Windows Defender, I need to offer something that I have found great. For the past 4 years Ive used "Trend" as it takes up little of your devices memory, doesn't slow your tablet (or whatever youre using) down and works in the background, only telling you when it has detected virus' or malware etc. You can also run it to do a manual search - very easy - if you want.

Vic41 · Guru

Thanks Bruce & Bev, smile

For about the past five years I've used AVG Free edition and a test by a pc engineer using a program did not find any virus's or malware problems, this is on my main pc, so I might load that on and see what happens.

Thanks for the tip on Trend, I know it has a good reputation, but I have also been very happy with AVG in the past (and it's free).

Sounds like Windows Defender is not too hot.

exa41 · Guru

Yep , I use AVG on everything , works for me , also spybot and malwarebites , recommender by a mate at Murrandindi computers .

Vic41 · Guru

Thanks Dennis & Yvonne smile smile smile

Friar Park · Senior Member

Vic I haven't used defender because Ive been advised not too. I do use AVG and Malwarebites and CCleaner (all free) and up to now have had no problems (wish i hadn't said that now)

Friar

Big Gorilla · Guru

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Defender is only available for Windows 8. I have Windows 7 and use Microsoft Security Essentials which seems to do the job. For many years I used AVG free anti virus but found the free version does not give the same protection now as the more professional versions. The paid version of AVG would provide good security...

Vic41 · Guru

Thanks Friar, I've decided to use AVG, but still have Defender on, it doesn't seem to clash with AVG but AVG is the dominant anti virus.

You are right BG, different names but basically the same program but give similar cover. I recall I was advised by Bigpond tech not to rely on Security Essentials or Defender and to add another anti virus program for my main pc, I had forgotten that.

Sharke · Senior Member

I use Ubuntu Linux free operating system wirh firefox browser & thunderbird email with addblocker. No antivirus installed and havent had a problem.

johnno02 · Veteran Member

I have used Avast free version,for the last couple of years,

have not had one problem since.

John

PeterD · Guru

Big Gorilla wrote:
1. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Defender is only available for Windows 8. I have Windows 7 and use Microsoft Security Essentials which seems to do the job.
2. For many years I used AVG free anti virus but found the free version does not give the same protection now as the more professional versions. The paid version of AVG would provide good security...

1, This is not as simple as you make out. Defencer has been around since Vista. It has changed its form since that period.

"Windows Defender, formerly known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, is a software product that helps combat malware. Windows Defender was initially an antispyware program; it is included with Windows Vista and Windows 7 and is available as a free download for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. In Windows 8, however, it is upgraded to an antivirus program."

Read about it in Windows Defender link.

2. That is a lie, propagated by the unscrupulous individuals to attempt to retail you the complete suite. Any of the security suites that offer the anti-virus section of their suite offer the free module exactly the same as included in the suite.

The same deal goes with firewalls. ZoneAlarm comes bundled in suites. However it is also comes on its own exactly the same programme as you pay for in suites. You get a firewall in the Avast or AVG suits but they are not as good as ZoneAlarm. If you cherry pick the free anti-virus, malware and firewall programmes then you can make up a much better package. Suites have the advantage that after you have paid through the nose for them they are easier to install and manage as they come in one package. If you are prepared to do your homework and select components for suite and manage each programme separately then you can develop a better suite of programmes.

For firewalls look at this comparison of them.

Vic41 · Guru

Thanks for the further info everyone and the list of providers & info Peter D smile

dorian · Guru

I have occasionally encountered false positives with several AV products. If you suspect that a particular file is infected, or is being falsely reported as being infected, then upload it to a site such as the following:

www.virustotal.com
virusscan.jotti.org/en

Your file will be scanned by up to 40 different AV software and a detailed report will be provided to you.

PeterD · Guru

Further my previous, see - www.av-test.org/en/ - There are many tests on security software don there.

-- Edited by PeterD on Wednesday 19th of November 2014 03:40:56 PM

Dav4Cris · Senior Member

I use Microsoft Security Essentials, no problems, I also run Malabytes. I used to use Nortons 360 and Bit Defender. Microsoft Security Essentials does it all as far as I am concerned. I have no Virus or malaware. I also use Crap Cleaner CCleaner.

Glenelg · Guru

hi Vic . i use Microsoft Security Essentials, have no problems either. and got ccleaner.

Vic41 · Guru

Thanks for the further feedback folks, good to hear what others use and how they find it smile

Jaahn · Guru

Hi, smile

I use Microsoft Security Essentials too on Windows 7. Been good for 4 years and has eliminated a couple of troubles that I have had without difficulty . I have set my system for auto updates so it is always up to date.

I asked the very experienced computer tech at the place where I had worked, and he said why pay for the others when it is just as good, and that is what he uses at home !! He believes the other antivirus programs just talk up the problems to boost sales. Note he works at a university where viruses just come in and go round and round every day. confuse

Cheers jaahn

PeterD · Guru

To all the users of Microsoft Security Essentials, if you go up to my message @ 15:39 Nov 19, 2014 you will see a link for a site with industry comparisons of anti-virus. Go particularly to page http://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/ and you will see how poor the Micro$oft offerings are.

Santa · Guru

Over the past 15 years I've used Norton, McAfee, Trend, AVG and Bit Defender, since buying a new PC running Windows 8.1 in Jan this year have been using Windows Defender without problem, it runs unobtrusively in the background, unlike most of the others I have used.

I also scan regularly with Malwarebytes, it has yet to pick up anything that Windows Defender has let through.

Yes, I am an experienced PC user.

You pay for Windows Defender with the operating System, why not use it?

Most of the review sites have vested interests, including AV-Test, Wikepedia says,

"The respected security researcher and CEO of Kaspersky Labs "Eugene Kaspersky" has discredited stating that AV-TEST has changed their policy and is no longer a trust worthy accreditation.^"

dorian · Guru

ISTM that the best defence would be to avoid making yourself a target.

I would think that malware authors would target the most popular operating systems and AV software, in which case I would expect that malware would be aimed at Microsoft's products before others. It might sound contrarian, but perhaps it would be safer to use less popular AV software (eg ClamAV freeware)???

Santa · Guru

Risk is also directly related to your browsing habits, if your a regular down loader of freeware and visit porn sites etc, you will be at much higher risk than those who don't. wink

Vic41 · Guru

Seems to be a lot of mixed opinions on what is best.

In regards to Windows Defender, I would imagine that if you are running Windows it would be using the system anyway as they don't want any crap getting through to stuff up their system, so would/should be right on the ball with updated anti virus etc.

As mine seems to be running both that and AVG in conjunction I wonder if the AVG (or whatever else you are using for Windows in addition to Defender) acts as a second line of defence???? confuse

Santa · Guru

Evening Vic, I'm not suggesting Defender is the best, other antivirus programs may well be better, particularly if people visit risky sites, however I've found Defender used in conjunction with Malwarebytes quite adequate for my needs. smile

Vic41 · Guru

Evening Santa, we as individuals can only go on what works for us, it works for you so that's the main thing.

I don't think any of them are perfect, I use the free version of AVG and it has kept my pc safe for about the 8 years I have been using it.

I had a pc guru run a scan with some device on mine a little while back and he found no virus's and no malware....must say something.

Mind you I do not visit dodgy sites etc and am careful what I open, so I suppose that helps. smile

Santa · Guru

Vic41 wrote:

Mind you I do not visit dodgy sites etc and am careful what I open, so I suppose that helps.

Morning Vic,

Your 7/8th of the way there without even trying, not saying we won't pick something up, however you are certainly minimizing the risk with safe browsing habits and care opening attachments. smile

Vic41 · Guru

Morning Santa (still is in WA) yes that would help I guess, I don't open or play those online games either which I think may be part of the problem.