Anti-Virus and Malwarebytes

Hello boyboyds,

I run Avast 7 on my system. I also have Malwarebytes Free and Super Anti-Spyware free too. Avast runs Real Time protection and I just use the other two for scanning files on-demand. I scan pretty much everything I download with all 3.

They all seem to run ok with Avast protection turned on. I don't notice any particular slow downs.

Slartybart said:

I read, now don't quote me on this, that Microsoft is replacing Defender with MSE in Win8.

seavixen32 said:

I just wish though that Microsoft bundled decent anti-virus software with their operating systems as it would cut out the worry about which A/V system to go for.

pparks1 said:

And AV software makers would go nuts and cry foul.

That would make a lot more sense. I always wondered why they didn't integrate the two into just one program.

Slartybart said:

I read, now don't quote me on this, that Microsoft is replacing Defender with MSE in Win8.

seavixen32 said:

I just wish though that Microsoft bundled decent anti-virus software with their operating systems as it would cut out the worry about which A/V system to go for.

pparks1 said:

And AV software makers would go nuts and cry foul.

I understand it's the other way around. Defender will be for w8 and MSE for w7 and older.

Slartybart said:

Sheesh, didn't I say don't quote me?
but yeah, Defender gets updated with pieces of MSE, not replaced.

PCWorld said:

Antivirus Comes Preinstalled

For the first time in the history of Windows, you’ll enjoy protection from viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, rootkits, and other malware from the very first day you turn on your Windows PC--without spending a cent. Windows 8 comes with an updated version of Windows Defender that includes traditional antivirus functions in addition to the spyware protection and other security features that it has offered since Windows Vista. Windows Defender now provides similar protection--and a similar look and feel--to that of the free Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus program, which Microsoft has offered to users as an optional download since 2009.

Since Windows Defender will provide at least basic virus and malware protection, purchasing yearly antivirus subscriptions (such as from McAfee or Norton) or downloading a free antivirus package (like AVG or Avast) is optional, whereas before it was pretty much required if you wanted to stay virus-free. Of course, you may disable Windows Defender and use another antivirus utility that promises better protection and more features, but at least everyone will have basic protection by default.

Good move from Microsoft there I say! :)

boyboyds said:

WOW, I am surprised free AVG is not a good thing, heavy on resources etc.

It is very popular and highly rated AV, I have been using it for years and thought I got the best free AV.

I guess this whole issue is very confusing - so many experts have so many opinions totally contradicting each other.

Thank you,
BBDS.

Another opinion: AVG over the years has typically faired very well as far as detecting malware, but a few years ago it got pretty bloated. They've slimmed it down since then but the bloat perception seems to live on. It still has quite a few processes running these days, but they don't consume the RAM they used to and only rarely consume processor time.

Not talking about the paid version, only AVG free.

Slartybart said:

Sheesh, didn't I say don't quote me?

Oops! Sorry about that! Only was trying to respond to the subject, and the easiest way was to um, well, quote.