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Question

Free Internet Security ?

Sep 6, 2017 6:00AM PDT

For my home security, what is the best Free internet security on the market? I know there is nothing 100%, even paid versions. I've had Norton for years and happy with it but tired of paying for security. I have read that Comodo Suite and Zone Alarm along with Avast or other AV programs are good options. How does Windows Defender stack up against ZA or others? I am running Windows 10. I am just wanting some professional opinions.

Thanks in advance.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Here's what I use on W10 and have for years.
Sep 6, 2017 6:29AM PDT
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Here's what I use on W10 and have for years
Sep 6, 2017 6:58AM PDT

So do you mean you're using Windows 10 with just the Defender an no AV? Or am I not understanding you? Thanks

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it is an antivirus
Sep 6, 2017 7:11AM PDT

windows defender is an antivirus too. microsoft security essentials merged with it.

that is all I use in addition to malwarebytes and adblocker for my browser.

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Here's what I use on W10 and have for years.
Sep 6, 2017 9:05AM PDT

Thanks for the link, Rick Broida made some very good points 3 years ago on the article. When I read the Pentagon, White House and huge corporations are hacked, us "little people" don't have a chance. I would try this for myself but don't trust my computer challenged wife! Lol. I never new this was even possible. Thanks

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Malware
Sep 6, 2017 6:39PM PDT

There is nothing to prevent the user from clicking yes or allow or opening every email/attachment.

I would not use a msft browser.
Not because it's bad, it's just a fat target.

Other targets are java and flash player.
If you don't need those products uninstall them.

With w10 make sure the firewall is on and then use defender.

After that it's a browser add-on or 2 just to harden things up a little.

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Answer
There Are Other Free Antivirus Programs
Sep 7, 2017 11:13AM PDT
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Avast
Sep 12, 2017 11:38AM PDT

Thanks for the mention Grif!

xguy03 - AV-comparatives is a good source to see real-world performance results as Grif mentioned, there are many other independent testing sites as well. If you want to learn more about Avast, this is a good place to start -- our free version provides a lot more than just the "basics" such as real-time protection, behavioral analysis, and extra features. Happy to answer any questions you have if you check it out.

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Nags
Sep 22, 2017 6:32PM PDT

I've been using and recommending Avast for years. Lately, even though I have a paid subscription, it has been nagging me a LOT. Each version makes me have to search around to find HOWTOs to dig down in and turn off new nags. Some are buried deep. Reinstalling Windows makes it horrendous.

Next machine I set up, I'm very likely to switch to something else.

Drake Christensen

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Answer
Re: Free Internet Security ?
Sep 7, 2017 12:52PM PDT

Avast provides greater protection from computer viruses than Windows Defender does. Avast is free on the Internet, too. You can see their website, below, from the stated link.

Link:
https://www.avast.com/index