Do you pay for antivirus/spyware/malware software?

[QuarterMillionMan]

I used to buy antivirus/spyware/malware up until about 5 years ago. Since then I just use the free versions. I use the free Windows Defender (previously called Microsoft Security Essentials). And I just downloaded Spectrum's free McAfee security suite. I also had purchased the lifetime Malware Bytes about 5 years ago but recently I'm getting a pop window saying that my subscription expired (WTH). I will have to dig into my closet to see if I can find the CD with the activation code. I curious if anyone still buys antivirus/spyware/malware software. And which brand do you use whether free or for a fee.


On a side note, NSA and other high ranking government officials advise not to use Kapersky. Something about the Russian government possibly hacking or spying into your computer. Not sure if there is any validity into it but I wouldn't want to take a chance.

[disneysteve]

No, I do not. I have always used free software: AVG, Ad-Aware, Spybot. I've never seen any reason or value to paying for that stuff.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Disneysteve with all of those names that you've mention, I have tried those and if I recall correctly it only scans for free. In order to remove viruses, adware, or spyware, I thought it would ask me to upgrade to the paid version (I could be wrong), correct me if I'm wrong.

[disneysteve]

Disneysteve with all of those names that you've mention, I have tried those and if I recall correctly it only scans for free. In order to remove viruses, adware, or spyware, I thought it would ask me to upgrade to the paid version (I could be wrong), correct me if I'm wrong.

Nope. They all run scans and then fix any identified problems. Of course, they all try to upsell you to the paid products but it isn't necessary IMO.

[Tabs]

What's even crazier is that, at least with the case of Norton 360 for example, it has been reported to slow down many end user PCs, inadvertently turning itself into a sort of malware of its own.

But yeah, I don't pay for anti-malware software either. Windows Defender is "good enough" but I also recommend checking out Opera browser for additional protection. Their latest version is actually pretty good, and even includes an anti-coinware blocker built-in.

To take it a step further, I have been slowly transitioning into ChromeOS over the years. It's simple, affordable, easy to use, and very good at handling basic computing tasks minus all the headaches of a traditional setup. In fact, I have also been slowly acclimating my parents into it. They don't know and don't care what OS it is, just so long as the computer does what they want it to do.

Anything more than that, one should look into hardware firewall between the internet and your home network anyway. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, but I recommend something that has stateful packet inspection for best results (such as Cisco routers for example).

[QuarterMillionMan]

I bought this Malware Bytes from New Egg for $25 in 2012. Luckily I kept the box and retrieved the activation code successfully reinstalled it to my computer. Lifetime protection.

[Thrif-t]

We currently use the free AVG virus protection, although only one laptop, my d's at school. The rest of us have chromebooks and don't have a need for it.

We even use avg on our smartphones.

I just got my spectrum bill and saw mention of the free virus protection, but I'm not going to bother using. AVG has been fine for us the past 5-8 years.