Windows 8 & Anti-Virus Software - ?


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Hi,

I just got a windows 8 PC to use in my family room for ...well... the family.  :-)

Two adults and two kids under 12.  All are familiar with computers on various levels.

 

For my personal PC's I've never relied on anything but Microsoft Security Essentials as a anti-virus and malware solution.  I've never had an issue, but I realize that has more to do with my careful surfing habits than the software 'protecting' me.

 

Now that the kids will have internet access (which is somewhat restricted by my family safety settings) I'm concerned they might inadvertently run into trouble.  We monitor them very closely and the PC is in a public area f the house.

 

My question is does the consensus believe that I DON'T need any additional software beyond windows defender?  If otherwise, what would be the best software solution?

 

Thanks all. 

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Well I run Windows 8 Pro 64bit here, personally Running Avast Free 8.0.1489, works well for my needs, but yes each PC user and Owner has different needs and what makes them feel safe may not for others.   Depends on if you want Excellent protection...based on Av Comparatives, and Av-Test--Avast Scores considerly better than WIndows Defender/MSE

Edited by bikeman25
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used to use avast before it started getting bloaty, been using MSE for rather some time, when i went to Windows 8 i didnt have to worry about it because MSE is built into the Windows Defender solution built into the computer.

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Give them a standard user account of their own (limits what they can do) and you will find that the built-in Windows Defender will be sufficient... well, that plus advising them to not click on every advert/pop-up ;-)

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Give them a standard user account of their own (limits what they can do) and you will find that the built-in Windows Defender will be sufficient... well, that plus advising them to not click on every advert/pop-up ;-)

Thanks adam.  I did this already.  It's even labeled as a "Child" account.  :-)

Ok, Giving Avast a try.  Thanks guys!

 

--Update

UGH!  Avast site sends me to Download.com to get it.  saywhatnow?  I don't like that at all.  ..but proceeding.

Question.  Does Avast shut off whatever Windows 8 has built in, do they run in tandem, or do I need to go shut off some Windows feature after installing avast?

 

Thanks!

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I highly recommend Avira Free Antivirus: http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

 

Windows Defender doesn't compare.

 

Vb100 tests Windows Defender/Security Essentials about 90% Reactive / 75% Proactive.

Avira free is currrently ranking about 97% Reactive / 84% Proactive.

 

https://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/RAP/RAP-quadrant-Oct12-Apr13-12.jpg

 

I noticed Avira free is slight more resource intensive compared to security essentials but not impacting my system over all.

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Hello,

Windows Defender in Microsoft Windows 8 is a re-badged version of Microsoft Security Essentials, so it has the same basic functionality that you would see running Microsoft Security Essentials under a previous version of Windows.

If you take a look in the Control Panel under Windows 8, you will also see a Family Safety option, where you can adjust the various settings for the computer as it relates to those.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

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Thanks everyone.  I tried Avast for a bit but ended up removing it.  I'm gonna cruise along with the built in defender for a bit and see how it goes.

I did, however, tighten up the family safety portion for the kid's. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

according to the graph posted g-data is the best option lol. However due to not wanting to bloat up my system i will stick with Windows Defender :p

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