- Avast Free is my favourite antivirus. It does a great job to protect your computer from viruses and doesn't slow the computer down much. However when I install it, I deselect all the optional features. The only components I install are the File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield and the Mail Shield. I then go into the settings and turn off the sound notifications and reduce the pop up notifications to 1 second. It runs in the background to protect your computer.
- Malwarebytes is my next favourite, which can happily co-exist with Avast (or Windows Defender). As soon as I install it, I go into the settings and turn off the premium trial, which turns it into a permanent free version. Malwarebytes targets adware and spyware mainly. I always scan a customer's computer with this after I've serviced their computer. You need to scan it manually, since the free version doesn't run in the background.
- Kaspersky is my favourite paid antivirus. It is an excellent antimalware & antivirus program. It also doesn't slow down the computer as much as other antivirus programs. The only downside is it can sometimes be a bit of a pain to renew every year.
- Windows Defender (on Windows 10). If you're a seasoned Web surfer, don't download much free stuff, don't go to advertisement littered sites, keep your wits about you and are careful, then Windows Defender is all you need. It comes with Windows 10. No annoying pop ups, no recurring bills and doesn't slow your computer down.
I've found that McAfee is just average at detecting viruses. Trend slows the computer down too much and Norton, although much improved is just not as good as Kaspersky. I used to like AVG (which has since been bought by Avast), but it sometimes slows the computer down and/or email retrieval, so now I avoid it.
Remember to back up your data, then unplug your external hard drive. Yeah, I know, she'll be right mate... aha.
For help with setting up your antivirus or removing viruses, adware etc. call Computer Champ on 0430 984 522.
