free antivirus program for windows 8
what is a program you recommend and why?
I don't recommend any free program because I believe you get what you pay for and security is important.
I pay for VIPRE and recommend it to my clients - I find it effective and easy on system resources.
I pay for VIPRE and recommend it to my clients - I find it effective and easy on system resources.
Further to the above, I use Symantec Endpoint at all clients. Kaspersky is good. I have heard decent things about Vipre. Also look at Bit Defender.
Win8 alteady has Windows defender included, just as on 10, it is a full blown AV scanner.
You should look into software restriction policies which are the best possible protection you can get. If you have questions about what that is, just ask.
You should look into software restriction policies which are the best possible protection you can get. If you have questions about what that is, just ask.
I have found that many of the free Anti-Virus programs are technically no different than the paid versions with the exception that you can't get free support.
Yes, some have additional features like firewalls etc but the basic versions both free and paid are more than adequate for the average user.
For my non-business clients, I recommend the AVG product. It finds pretty well everything that's out there and doesn't take a huge amount of resources like some other paid only versions out there do.
Best thing to do is google "best anti-virus" and "best Anti-virus free" and see what people think about them. Choose the one that make the most sense for your working environment.
Make sure if you choose a paid version that it will still work after the paid period is over and not simply stop working completely.
You may find that one of the Free ones is better than some of the Paid versions of another product
Yes, some have additional features like firewalls etc but the basic versions both free and paid are more than adequate for the average user.
For my non-business clients, I recommend the AVG product. It finds pretty well everything that's out there and doesn't take a huge amount of resources like some other paid only versions out there do.
Best thing to do is google "best anti-virus" and "best Anti-virus free" and see what people think about them. Choose the one that make the most sense for your working environment.
Make sure if you choose a paid version that it will still work after the paid period is over and not simply stop working completely.
You may find that one of the Free ones is better than some of the Paid versions of another product
Malwarebyte anti-malware free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities, so far has been pretty good.in the anti ransomware detection. It has a beta version in separate package. Suggest if the free edition is doing good to you then consider its Premium version uses other advanced protection technologies to further stop malware infections.
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I see no disadvantage in using the free Microsoft "Windows Defender" for basic real time protection that comes as standard with Windows 8 and 10. It may not be the strongest protection on offer and opinions do change with time and personal preferences as to which AV product is "best".
At least the Microsoft free option is also free from nags to buy the product and it has a smaller footprint in terms of performance degradation though over protection and added complexity.
The most effective protection is safe practices by the user especially when browsing the internet.
However, I can recommend the free edition of Malwarebytes to complement the core protection. This can pick up more of the PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) often overlooked by other AV products as those are not strictly classed as malware.
At least the Microsoft free option is also free from nags to buy the product and it has a smaller footprint in terms of performance degradation though over protection and added complexity.
The most effective protection is safe practices by the user especially when browsing the internet.
However, I can recommend the free edition of Malwarebytes to complement the core protection. This can pick up more of the PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) often overlooked by other AV products as those are not strictly classed as malware.
ASKER
and thanks for providing the exact link
no problem; i use it for several years now!
For any system, I recommend top name paid anti virus because they work better and have support. My colleague and I have had to rip free A/V out of clients because they do not do the job.