I know I have mentioned security many times in articles I have done here over the years.
Lets take a look at the two protection programs in question: Windows Defender and Avast Free.
If you have Windows 8.1 or 10, you will already have Defender.
There are no upgrades to buy: everything is already included.
What you see is what you get with Windows Defender.
A few years ago, there was alotof false positives associated with Defender.
This has vastly improved, thankfully, but still is not fool-proof.
The best part about Defender is that you do not need to do anything.
It is just… there.
Running silently in the background.
Keeping an eye on your software for strange behaviors.
Uploading malicious items for analysis.
You do not need to install updates.
You do not need to buy anything additional.
You just have peace of mind for the most part.
In my opinion, it is still the best free software available to protect your gear.
Last year, Avast won for the umpteenth time an award from AV-TEST for Best Virus and Malware Detection.
That tells me everything I need to know.
Avast does not just keep viruses in check, though.
Believe it or not, Avast uses less system resources than Windows Defender does.
This is extremely important for those of you using older computers or ones that are not high-end models.
The UI is just… intuitive.
There are other features Avast boasts that Defender just doesnt have.
Avast also has Email protection… something that I truly wish Defender had thought of or incorporated by now.
Fast forward all these years (since about 2003!)
and look at the giant he has built this company into.
I do not recommend this software based on my connections to it… yet, I do.
I watched as he talked through code.
I helped to test along the way, growing more excited with each iteration.
MalwareBytes has both a free and paid version.
When you first download and install it, youll receive a free 14-day trial to the full Monte.
This includes real-time threat protection.
That is the main difference between the two versions.
The free one simply allows you to scan on-demand.
The best part is that MalwareBytes is designed to run alongside whatever antivirus protection youre using already.
Yes… you’re able to andSHOULDrun this with either Windows Defender or Avast.
It is an added layer of protection.
Which Antivirus Protection Should You Use on Windows?
My recommendation is simple: implement the free versions of both Avast and MalwareBytes.
You will be happy you did, I promise.
What other security questions do you have for me?
How can I best help you stay safe?
