Have Norton Security===Need Malwarebytes Too??

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
I'm beginning to turn against free stuff.

It's hard to imagine any free AV program would be actually doing anything.

2oldman wrote:
I use nothing. I've had one virus in 25 years.

People routinely drive drunk without causing an accident, but it doesn't mean it's okay.

If you're saying that AV/anti-malware isn't needed I think that's pretty dangerous advice.

Let's clear some inaccuracies. First, Norton is highly rated as an effective AV software by notable security testing organizations. Among the top for paid apps. Yes, there are a few free AV rated just as high. But if you've already paid for Norton, there is no reason to drop it.

I'd also recommend keeping a copy of Malwarebytes(MB) installed on all your computers. The FREE version does "not" have real time scanning enabled, so cannot interfere with your current AV software. And does not slow down your computer as such.

Use MB as a secondary, on-demand scanner when needed. Or as a secondary check on occasion. It's strength is as a repair tool should malware install itself in your system. BTW, MB was the only anti-malware app to receive a 100% repair rating among paid and free apps tested by AV-Test.org.

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
I'm beginning to turn against free stuff. When you download it they download a bunch of stuff you don't want, change your home page, etc. Think maybe I'd rather just pay and skip the hassle. I'm sure a sophisticated techie would know how to avoid all this, but not me.

Pretty simple to avoid actually. If given a choice between an Express Install and Custom, always select Custom. That way you can un-check the extra programs you do not want installed.

Plus, many of these unwanted programs get installed simply because the user does not read the install screens.

Also, stick with the major AV packages, and don't believe what you read on unknown websites about miracle apps to fix or tune your systems. Many of these are marketing scams with false detection of problems, so they can charge you for essentially fixing nothing.

2oldman wrote:

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
I'm beginning to turn against free stuff.

It's hard to imagine any free AV program would be actually doing anything.

I've only been infected once in WIN 2000 using the most popular "paid" AV suite, which wiped out my primary hard drive. Since converting to only Free AV software for the past 12 years, I've never had a virus or malware that was able to install itself on any of my systems.

All major FREE AV software uses the same core detection engine found in their paid version. There is no difference. The paid versions come with additional security components, and typically tech support, that the free versions don't offer. But, you can install separate FREE security apps from different manufacturers that can be just as effective as any paid software suite.

It's naive to think that the free version of major AV software does nothing? If it didn't do anything, and users kept getting infected with malware, no one would even consider paying for the premium version?

I've used Norton for a few years now. In fact I just renewed and upgraded to the 360 elite. 5 compurters covered, which includes my Samsung Mega smartphone. I'm sure that all protection software does well. The reason I've continued to use Norton is that I have my files backed up automaticly to their site. It makes it easy to transfer files, too. :D