antivirus

[kejedo]

spent most of today (still in pajamas, second set,)trying to get New antivirus. Don't know if anything is working on this laptop.  

 

[computerwiz]

https://ninite.com/

 

Pick the programs you need/want (and make sure you actually need/want them...because unnecessary stuff, even if legit, can slow your computer down).  Once you've checked them off, press "Get Your Ninite"

 

 

Then run it.  Everything will "magically" be downloaded & installed & configured for you.  Easy peezy, lemon squeezy.

 

Also note: Don't install more than 1 anti-virus on your computer, as they can conflict with each other.

 

These are my recommendations for any new computer for a JW:

 

[Myew]

Generally speaking, assuming you're using modern Windows since you mentioned a laptop, Windows Defender is perfectly adequate for general virus protection, though you should do a full system scan from Windows Security if you're having issues. You don't need to pay anything for proper software. As mentioned, adding more antivirus can slow your system down and in some cases even add security vulnerabilities. Don't install applications just because you're offered from advertisements or browser addons that claim free stuff or coupons, and you'll generally be safe. In some cases, a one time scan from Malwarebytes (uninstall it afterwards) as listed above should be enough to detect most malware or 'potentially unwanted programs'. True modern malware doesn't generally slow down your system - they hide invisibly to steal your credentials with keyloggers, though they can occasionally slow it down with cryptominers or advertisement spam. Modern viruses tend to be things like ransomware encryption that completely lock you out of your system or intentionally overclock it to destroy it.



PS @computerwiz Ninite is old news now, use winget or WinUtil. 😛 https://christitus.com/windows-tool/) https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil
Just teasing, I know Ninite's easier/safer to use for the less technically inclined. But WinRAR?  What for? 😹 I remember the memes about how everyone used the trial and never paid for it back in the late 90s. I still use 7z personally, but folder compression has been built into Windows for years now.

[computerwiz]

2 hours ago, Myew said:

But WinRAR?  What for? 😹

 

Doesn't hurt...nothing runs in the background.  And expands the capability of the PC.  Less to figure out later, in the rare event she needs to open a RAR or other non-Zip file.  I like future-proofing if it doesn't impact performance.  7-Zip may be just as good (does it handle RARs?) but I'm not familiar with it.

 

Also, I still recommend AVG or another anti-virus simply because hackers will test their exploits out against whatever is most common or popular.  Unfortunately all of the ones offered by Ninite are "popular", but at least AVG offers a little more protection than what's built-in.  Good browsing practices are always best and can completely negate the need for an AV, but I'm sure you know how that goes for non-tech users.     Brave browser helps block a lot of risky stuff anyways.

 

Neat tool!  I used to have several tools like this "back in the day".  I'm a bit out of date on the latest and greatest tools techs use now.  Will definitely check it out!  Wish there was a portable version... 🤔

[dreamy]

4 hours ago, computerwiz said:

my recommendations

Enlarging the image

 

At one time I used DuckDuckGo

 

Spoiler

But all my contacts use Whatsapp or Telegram (which I love)

 

VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols

 

Edited yesterday at 03:13 AM by dreamy

[Myew]

2 hours ago, computerwiz said:

7-Zip may be just as good (does it handle RARs?) but I'm not familiar with it.

7-Zip can unpack basically anything. It is also Free and Open Source, whereas RAR is shareware and a proprietary format, so they nag at you to buy a license after your 'trial' expires. That always bugged me back on dial up when most things online were compressed. 7-Zips right-click context menus are super simple and fast to extract/create archives, and offers much more compression customization if you desire to take the time. I pretty much only use it anymore when transferring backups between computers though. I feel that with how internet speed has changed, it's less needed and safer for people who aren't experienced to not be able to open unknown downloaded filetypes. Downloading password locked compressed archives is a common method of bypassing most malware and virus scanners. I think that's a big part of why Windows took so long to allow native .zip archives.

As much as I hate Windows these days, since you have to go to the Microsoft Store to get JW Library, I typically recommend most users to grab their browser, zoom, vlc etc from there since you can set apps to auto update with Windows Update or update everything on your system at once with Winget. I don't recommend logging in with your MS account however... local accounts are still safest. 

Fun fact, Ninite arranges the apps from the most recommended on the top of the list to the least recommended on the bottom of the list.

 

2 hours ago, computerwiz said:

Neat tool!  I used to have several tools like this "back in the day".  I'm a bit out of date on the latest and greatest tools techs use now.  Will definitely check it out!  Wish there was a portable version... 🤔

 

I actually have a shortcut to the command on my portable drives and google drive, but I don't see the option in the app to make one anymore. I use WinUtil for quickly installing/updating most apps from winget all at once, but if you just want the easy access to a ton of Windows settings tweaks, check out Wintoys on the MS Store. It's a prettier interface and I use it on most new installs as well, better for less techy folks without as much risk of breaking something. https://bogdan-patraucean.github.io/about/wintoys/ 

Edited 22 hours ago by Myew

[Pabo]

I personally use ESET Smart Security and at work, we use ESET Business edition as we have about 20 devices. I have been using it since 2004 and it picks up more things than what the other big name products or free versions, and it doesn't slow down your device unless you are doing a very intense deep scan, but even that it is not that bad.

 

With the personal version, you could have multiple devices and the longer the period, the cheaper it gets and works across all operating systems. Great for those who have many devices or a family.

[Benjamine]

And Kaspersky Standard is also good, I have tested it with Eicar test and it worked well. As far as I know.