Norton, Kaspersky, or?

[budeneighe]

If you are on Windows 10, then use the Windows Defender. It is the best on that platform. I cannot speak to Linux platforms though I do use a few of them a little bit like Mint and OpenSUSE but not too seriously.  My experience with Kaspersky is that it turned into a CPU hog and I still have had problems with Nortons interfering with product installations on occasions.  Just my experiences. FWIW.

 

[Pat & Pete]

Maybe a good VPN ?

[RV_]

Rod,

For Windows 10 here is the current best protection for 2018. Remember that this not only my opinion and that of others, but what I use.

Number one rule!! Never run any A/V program with another with one exception. Do not install any new A/V until you use uninstall any A/V installed using that company's own uninstaller as A/V programs have hooks deep in the system that allow them to work before/after Windows boots. The Windows uninstall does not remove them and the leftovers can aid malware because of conflicts with calls for files at boot that are no longer on your machine.

There are lots of fake uninstaller websites out there so if you can't tell which one is the right one just post here and I'll give the link to the genuine and safe uninstaller.

Run Windows Defender and allow it to update whenever it is opened or asks.

Buy Malwarebytes Premium and run it alongside Defender. That is the only exception. Never try to run any other two. That includes Windows Defender and any other.

Malwarebytes premium has saved me several times recently from the latest scourge, cryptojacking, the bot nets that jump on your computer and use your electricity and CPU/Ram running your system to 100% for bitcoin mining.

Malwarebytes jumps in and says it did not allow that website because it is malicious. You could override that but to be blunt, that is just plain stupid. Even an old dependable website may have been taken over to drop malware as a driveby.

I have Malwarebytes premium for that reason, the premium version active scans all the time. The free version is great after you are infected in detecting and cleaning most of the time. I say most because the malware today will turn off your A/V programs but make them appear to be running.

I bought lifetime Premium licenses for five machines years ago when XP was the then current Windows version. Now they sell annual licenses and no longer any lifetime licenses. They have upgraded it free numerous times and daily updates makes it the cleanest. fastest, and lightest on resource use. Scans don't even slow my systems down I just work while they run. There some folks here that took my advice and bought their lifetime licenses. Even better, when I get a new computer I just remove Premium from the computer I am going to replace and then add the license info to the new one after I install the current free version with the premium trial. It will not run on another before removing from the current. MY license codes and ID numbers are on the CDs I bought and saved to a master file on all computers and one USB Flash/thumb drive kept in the car.

Do not run Malwarebytes free or premium with any A/V except Defender.

I do use several tools from other vendors that are free like Norton eraser.

So even if you never used it on a new computer, get the uninstaller from that vendor and remove it before you install Malwarebytes.

Here are the uninstaller links for the major vendors:

Norton: https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v60392881_EndUserProfile_en_us

AVG: Follow the instructions in this article http://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlname=How-to-uninstall-AVG to run the AVG remover tool and download this https://share.avg.com/steam/PSP/AVG2017/AVG_Clear.exe to run AVG Clear too. This tool will help with removing antivirus component of AVG 2017 and its traces.
Open tool
User Account control - click "Yes"
Windows safe mode - click "No" (we cannot recommend use the tool in safe mode, because there is a problem with compability)
Choose installed version (AVG Free, AVG Internet Security)
Click "Uninstall"
Click "Restart computer".

Kaspersky removal tool: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/kaspersky_products_remover.html

Major Geeks is a completely trustworthy download site that does not add Possibley Unwanted Programs or spyware like other ones do. Here are all the uninstallers for A/V and others, look yours up al[alphabetically here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/sortname/uninstallers.html

If at any time you have just used the Windows uninstaller to remove any A/V get the tool and run it again for any A/V you uninstalled without their removal tool.

Questions?

Edited July 2, 2018 by RV_

[noteven]

Anyone know anything about Bitdefender?

[RV_]

Are you asking for the removal tool for Bitdefender?

Ratings and reviews? Google is your friend:

https://www.antivirusbest10.com/best-anti-malware-software

Edited July 3, 2018 by RV_

[lappir]

On 7/2/2018 at 1:14 PM, RV_ said:

Rod,

For Windows 10 here is the current best protection for 2018. Remember that this not only my opinion and that of others, but what I use.

Number one rule!! Never run any A/V program with another with one exception. Do not install any new A/V until you use uninstall any A/V installed using that company's own uninstaller as A/V programs have hooks deep in the system that allow them to work before/after Windows boots. The Windows uninstall does not remove them and the leftovers can aid malware because of conflicts with calls for files at boot that are no longer on your machine.

There are lots of fake uninstaller websites out there so if you can't tell which one is the right one just post here and I'll give the link to the genuine and safe uninstaller.

Run Windows Defender and allow it to update whenever it is opened or asks.

Buy Malwarebytes Premium and run it alongside Defender. That is the only exception. Never try to run any other two. That includes Windows Defender and any other.

Malwarebytes premium has saved me several times recently from the latest scourge, cryptojacking, the bot nets that jump on your computer and use your electricity and CPU/Ram running your system to 100% for bitcoin mining.

Malwarebytes jumps in and says it did not allow that website because it is malicious. You could override that but to be blunt, that is just plain stupid. Even an old dependable website may have been taken over to drop malware as a driveby.

I have Malwarebytes premium for that reason, the premium version active scans all the time. The free version is great after you are infected in detecting and cleaning most of the time. I say most because the malware today will turn off your A/V programs but make them appear to be running.

I bought lifetime Premium licenses for five machines years ago when XP was the then current Windows version. Now they sell annual licenses and no longer any lifetime licenses. They have upgraded it free numerous times and daily updates makes it the cleanest. fastest, and lightest on resource use. Scans don't even slow my systems down I just work while they run. There some folks here that took my advice and bought their lifetime licenses. Even better, when I get a new computer I just remove Premium from the computer I am going to replace and then add the license info to the new one after I install the current free version with the premium trial. It will not run on another before removing from the current. MY license codes and ID numbers are on the CDs I bought and saved to a master file on all computers and one USB Flash/thumb drive kept in the car.

Do not run Malwarebytes free or premium with any A/V except Defender.

I do use several tools from other vendors that are free like Norton eraser.

So even if you never used it on a new computer, get the uninstaller from that vendor and remove it before you install Malwarebytes.

Here are the uninstaller links for the major vendors:

Norton: https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v60392881_EndUserProfile_en_us

AVG: Follow the instructions in this article http://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlname=How-to-uninstall-AVG to run the AVG remover tool and download this https://share.avg.com/steam/PSP/AVG2017/AVG_Clear.exe to run AVG Clear too. This tool will help with removing antivirus component of AVG 2017 and its traces.
Open tool
User Account control - click "Yes"
Windows safe mode - click "No" (we cannot recommend use the tool in safe mode, because there is a problem with compability)
Choose installed version (AVG Free, AVG Internet Security)
Click "Uninstall"
Click "Restart computer".

Kaspersky removal tool: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/kaspersky_products_remover.html

Major Geeks is a completely trustworthy download site that does not add Possibley Unwanted Programs or spyware like other ones do. Here are all the uninstallers for A/V and others, look yours up al[alphabetically here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/sortname/uninstallers.html

If at any time you have just used the Windows uninstaller to remove any A/V get the tool and run it again for any A/V you uninstalled without their removal tool.

Questions?

Thanks, lots of info there and most I may not understand. I'm going to allow my Mcafee to expire and then uninstall using their uninstall. I know I had windows defender before, but am not sure I have it now. Will look into malware bytes. Thank you again. Rod

[RV_]

You can't uninstall Windows Defender, only disable it when you install another real time scanner. Defender is there. Just uninstall Mcafee and it will take over. Then get Malwarebytes premium instead of paying for Mcafee. Together they are as good as security gets.

You'll do fine, it becomes clearer when you do it.

[VtChris]

On 7/1/2018 at 7:32 PM, Pat & Pete said:

Maybe a good VPN ?

I have been using OVPN and like it.  Whatever you do, be sure to choose one you pay for.  The free ones have drawback.

[VtChris]

RV/Derek,  I just want to thank you for your excellent advise.  I have been running Defender and Malwarebytes Premium for years now without running into any problems.

[Pat & Pete]

56 minutes ago, VtChris said:

I have been using OVPN and like it.  Whatever you do, be sure to choose one you pay for.  The free ones have drawback.

Even the paid for VPNs have their drawbacks , just fewer .

[RV_]

VT Chris, YW!

Sorry been offline fixing a dead diesel and getting a new tiny Scamp set up for a city search for where we want to move to (Stix n Brix.)

VPNs are good for privacy for sure, but regardless of paid for or free they have a performance hit because of adding the extra jumps and routing.

But I am looking into VPNs too now because of the recent repeal of Net neutrality. Our Internet providers nopw have legal permission to look at all our traffic and sell any they want to third parties without even asking permission. They need regulation as we will soon see. The regulation will not come until the Internet providers start blackmailing some big politicians with their own emails they sold to a political party.

VPNs have become a necessity. I was reading this earlier in the year: https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2403388%2C00.asp?path=zpc-15478-mpc-100a1a&creative=78065390289150&device=c&dps=1&keyword=78065489991047&source=s

http://top5-vpn.com/?utm_source=B

I am at a loss. https://vpn-services.bestreviews.net/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-openvpn/

I would like the privacy of an open VPN, but I do not want a performance hit from it. And they all have some slowdown even if it is claimed imperceptible. On some of those sites above after a few seconds I was offered two year deals on OVPN of $2.75 a month so if one is sure and has tried a particular vendor's VPN, and think it's the best then look for one of the deals at review websites.

I do appreciate the lead on it.

[VtChris]

7 minutes ago, RV_ said:

VT Chris, YW!

Sorry been offline fixing a dead diesel and getting a new tiny Scamp set up for a city search for where we want to move to (Stix n Brix.)

VPNs are good for privacy for sure, but regardless of paid for or free they have a performance hit because of adding the extra jumps and routing.

But I am looking into VPNs too now because of the recent repeal of Net neutrality. Our Internet providers nopw have legal permission to look at all our traffic and sell any they want to third parties without even asking permission. They need regulation as we will soon see. The regulation will not come until the Internet providers start blackmailing some big politicians with their own emails they sold to a political party.

VPNs have become a necessity. I was reading this earlier in the year: https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2403388%2C00.asp?path=zpc-15478-mpc-100a1a&creative=78065390289150&device=c&dps=1&keyword=78065489991047&source=s

http://top5-vpn.com/?utm_source=B

I am at a loss. https://vpn-services.bestreviews.net/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-openvpn/

I would like the privacy of an open VPN, but I do not want a performance hit from it. And they all have some slowdown even if it is claimed imperceptible. On some of those sites above after a few seconds I was offered two year deals on OVPN of $2.75 a month so if one is sure and has tried a particular vendor's VPN, and think it's the best then look for one of the deals at review websites.

I do appreciate the lead on it.

I didn't get offered any deal from OVPN (darn), but paid for one month to see how I like it.  I am in my third week and am happy with it.  Granted I am using it over a captive portal in a campground.  My ping right now is 190 MS and download speed 2.78 Mbps.  And the cg is full.  Good enough for my uses.  It does take about a minute each time I log in as I have to log into the campground and then connect the vpn.  I have a friend who knows his stuff and he also recommended airVPN.  You can goggle a comparison, they both have their pluses and minuses.  Guess it depends on your needs.  Mine are minimal (mostly to be anonymous like you said).

[RV_]

If you like it then go to this link: https://nordvpn.com/coupon/

But you have to pay for the full term up front to get the price either way. 3 years $99 up front and $99 every three years.

[GlennWest]

Haven't even thought about aniti virus since I got my Chromebook.

[RV_]

Good for you!

[k4rs]

I may need to re-assess my choice of anti-virus products.  I am currently using Panda which failed to detect or block a remote access trojan when I downloaded it or when I accidentally ran it while attempting to do a virus scan (long story).  Fortunately I noticed the remote access activity moments before someone completed the purchase of downloadable gift cards using my Amazon account.

Needless to say, I now have two factor authentication turned on and I have re-installed Malwarebytes Premium (thank goodness for lifetime licenses).

In addition to my carelessness in accidentally activating the malware,   I failed to immediately disconnect from the Internet while doing the full computer virus scan.  I will not forget that lesson in the future.  

Safe Travels...

[RV_]

Roger,

I would not run today without VPN, Malwarebytes, and Windows defender. Opera has a free VPN built into the browser, but I had issues with Opera a few years ago and looked last week at their forums and it looks like they are still having leftovers after uninstalling causing some issues. But my Nord VPN is so easy I think I'll keep it. $2.99 a month when I bought three years paid up front. Just over $100.00.

I can load it on all my 11 tablets, four desktops, two android phones and even on my TV. The number of devices I load it on is unlimited, but at any given time only six can be used at the same time.

https://nordvpn.com/offer/brand/?msclkid=349a8c9e457b184e985cd0b16074c96e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search - USA - New - Brand - En - Cpc&utm_term=nordvpn&utm_content=USA - Brand

Here's a link to their features explained: https://nordvpn.com/features/

I've enabled Cybersec and play with double VPN. But honestly, it's very simple and automatic once you learn how to click on the country you want to be seen from.

 

Edited January 4, 2019 by RV_

[k4rs]

RV,

I am also a firm believer in VPN's.  I have been using PIA for several years.  Nord also looks good and can connect 1 more device than PIA but I have never reached the 5 device (at a time) limit.   I have configured one or my routers to act as the VPN client, so many devices can be protected with only one connection.  The only downside I have found (other than a slight performance loss), is that some sites constantly pop up captchas to prove I am not a robot.

I am not fond of Defender because it constantly deletes some of my favorite utilities due to false positives.  I have added exclusions but the settings keep reverting to default.  At least with Panda I can configure it to ask before deleting a questionable file.

I am not sure why I stopped using Malwarebytes.  I guess I just felt it was not necessary as 95% of my activity is now on Linux.

Safe Travels...

[RV_]

I have never had defender delete anything, but I do not run Linux on any of my computers as my main OS live drive or installed. So that may be it.

Nord VPN goes on our two Android phones, Fire TV devices (we have four). possible our Android TVs ( 3 smart), Fire tablets (5), our computers (four desktops including the two All in Ones, one mini PC and one HP Tower) three Windows 10 tablets.

Since it can go on so many devices that are on without many realizing it, I will have to do some tests and careful installs. I will likely make them all Off until I manually connect the VPN as I do on our computers now. I've only had it since 18 December 2018 so my thirty days refund will be up ~ 16 January. I'm already understanding most of it but some I never used before are foreign and I won't need or use them but I'd like to learn them anyway like P2P and double VPN.

I believe my ISP was throttling me as my VPN made my systems faster by far, very noticeably. When I get the security issues is when I turn it on in mid use and did npt clear my browser cache. I've found I just need to clear cache and the security questions stop. I believe the cookies show two access points far enough away from each other that it would not be physically possible for me to zip between here and northern California or some such place. I found that happens when I turn the VPN on while the browser is open, and then try to go to another page on the same site I was just on in Louisiana.  Be glad they keep our accounts secure.

[RV_]

I posted this after escapees would not let me connect because I had not cleared my browser cache. I just shut down the browser and ran CCleaner and in a few seconds opened my browser and am posting fine. Amazon and Google do not like us not giving up our browsing history.

BTW, did you see this?

FCC chairman applauds Congress for not reinstating net neutrality

https://thehill.com/policy/technology/423533-fcc-chair-applauds-congress-for-not-reinstating-net-neutrality

[agesilaus]

I was using Kaspersky last year after dropping Norton as a disk and resource hog years ago. Kasperspy jumped their price up, the US government has banned it from any federal computers as a security hazard. Kaspersky is accused of being in bed with the Russian government and is widely thought to have backdoors installed.

So I swapped to Webroot which has been invisible since installation. I think I'll try the MSE package next year.  I did see reports of some European governments following the US example and banning Kaspersky and some others about there being embedded hacking tools in the software. I'm not a security software expert so I can't make any judgement myself. But where there is so much arm waving going on I figure it just as easy to use something else.

[RV_]

What version of Windows are you running? MSE does not exist in Windows 10. Now it is Windows Defender. Free and all you need.

[agesilaus]

7 hours ago, RV_ said:

What version of Windows are you running? MSE does not exist in Windows 10. Now it is Windows Defender. Free and all you need.

Switched, more or less unwillingly to ten this year. So I guess I'll try Defender. Win10 has been OK but no big apparent improvement over 7. Under the hood it may be an improvement.

[RV_]

Using Defender and doing all your monthly updates will keep you more secure than Webroot today. You can't run Defender and Webroot at the same time. I run Defender (free) and Malwarebytes Anti Malware  (MBAM)  Premium (paid for) together. Malwarebytes does a few more things with paid version, but I'd run the free version of MBAM before any of the others along with Defender. The free version also is excellent and is made to run with Defender.

[RV_]

Big Update on Windows defender!

"Windows Defender was recently boosted by an industry-respected AV Test report that gave it a perfect rating alongside F-Secure Safe 17 and Norton Security 22 for home antivirus protection. The differentiator is that Windows Defender is a free solution that comes installed as part of Windows 10. This was excellent news for both Microsoft, which has been working hard to make Defender a top-notch security offering, and users who can get the best protection out there without splashing the cash."

The independent Anti-malware antivirus rating lab, that years ago rated Windows Defender pretty low, and for some, that was the last time many looked. Well for quite some time now, Windows Defender has gotten top scores, now perfect, which few others have gotten.

While I know it's easy to feel attached and loyal to a security program you've used for years. Defender is all I use backed up by Malwarebytes paid version. However, that's only because I have five lifetime premium licenses that cover all but one of my systems, but they all have Windows Defender as the primary defense against Malware.

Here's the latest list of the test results of all the top A/V Anti-malware programs stack up against each other: https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/

Here is the Windows Defender page where you can learn more: https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/june-2019/microsoft-windows-defender-4.18-192315/

I just can't see paying for any product that does not exceed the AVTest.org perfect score Windows free Defender, earned, or even equals it. Free versus paid? Do the math. Free? Paid?

Remember do not try to run any other security A/V program with any other except Malwarebytes as an adjunct to Defender. But that's not really necessary. If you decide to switch remember to download the removal tool from your vendor, and run it as your vendor instructs. Do not leave any Antimalware programs installed when using Defender. Any questions ask below in the main thread topics.

Safe computing!

Edited September 19, 2019 by RV_