Anti-Virus Windows 8.1

zongo

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Greetings,

A question from a complete newbie.
Do we need an 'anti-virus' for windows 8.1 ? I have just realized when I got my new rig ( 3 weeks ago) the OS never asked me if I wanted a third party 'anti-virus' in my system. I was used to windows pointing me to sites where I could make an educated choice for my 'anti-virus' software. Since that never happened, I thought that something must have changed for Windows not to ask for an 'anti-virus'. For example, Windows upgraded its security or whatnot (again, complete noob arguments here). I checked and I have (pre-installed) Windows Defender. Is that enough ?

Kind Regards,

zongo saiba
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
If you are pretty careful with your browsing and downloading, you can survive with MS Defender and the built in Windows Firewall.

But there are a bunch of the Monkey-Pak viruses going around, they hijack your system and you can't even get into Task manager to shut off the process. If the virus stays in the system more than a few days, it may encrypt your hard drive.

The system I removed Monkey-Pak from had Norton which did not even bother to remove the virus, but Eset did, and perhaps others like AVG or Avira work too, but only the paid versions will give you maximum protection from that. Sirefef is another virus that is a huge irritant, and Norton or McAfee is also powerless against those too.

If you buy an AV, do not buy one that also takes over the already sufficient Windows Firewall, the way the viruses work, is they attack systems running Norton or other alleged AV program which replaces Windows Firewall with their own useless version, and once the Windows Firewall goes down, then Sirefef can infect Defender and that's a whole other issue. I believe AVG, Avira, and Eset all sell strict AV programs that do not also replace the Firewall, but they also have versions that do. Stick with the versions that do not install their own firewall.

If Defender is Running in 8.1, the Security Center takes that as a "Yes, I have AV installed" so you do not get asked. But if you do install a 3rd party AV, Defender will be disabled. You can have one and only one AV installed at one time.

This does not include Anti Malware programs like Malwarebytes, and those are always a good idea to install anyway.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
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    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
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    2 GB/3GB
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    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
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    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
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    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
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    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
@xwe - Where is a user more susceptible to be attacked by the Monkey-Pak and what are the symptoms ? Thanks !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 64bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Intel i3, 2348
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD3000
Thanks for your reply. What really amazes me is that, it seems, clients (ie: pc) are supposed to be a anti-virus, firewall, anti malware, and whatnot; like 15 in one. For someone like me, the concept of a PC is just to browse the net, read emails, and play. I was reading posts on forums explaining how anti-virus slow down your computer drastically. In particular, anti-virus seems to affect memory a lot (as per posts I read on forums). It just does not make much sense. Why install a piece of software that will slow down you computer!! Also, on some posts, I read that anti-virus often don' t even protect you pro-actively. I mean, it is more a cure than it is a solution. They work after you have been infected: If you still have the control of your PC of course (as you mentioned); otherwise, that you are cooked and done for :D. Confuse it is, I have to say, and I am not even mentioning the fact that you don't even know which anti-virus is best. Most of the reviews out there seem to be biased even those who claim they are not. It's a complete eco-system that evolves around Windows.
How do you know if you have been infected or affected by some type of malware? I understand that I need to be running Windows Defender on some schedule but is there another way ? I read also that the best malware are just not detectable. Scary, isn't it ?

Kind Regards,

zongo saiba
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
A good antivirus and anti malware product should not noticeably slow down your computer. I've had good luck with them proactively catching problems before they got to my computer. I will admit, most effective thing was to stop searching for free/pirated/stolen software. Almost all issues magically went away.

There is no "best"product, if there was that is what we would all be using.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Safe browsing is key but using a good anti virus is important cause just like anything in life stuff just happens. I use the Free version of Avast Anit-Virus, Malwarebytes and Windows Firewall.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP2740
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 4702HQ 2.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    W740SU
    Memory
    8 GB 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Pro 5200
    Sound Card
    High Defenition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250 GB mSATA
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps cable, NETGEAR Night Hawk AC1900
    Browser
    Firefox 38.0.5
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Malwarebytes Pro
Read THIS and decide for yourself. I have decided to go with Defender and Emet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Pro 3
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics HD
    Screen Resolution
    2160 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD, 128GB MicroSD
    Internet Speed
    8GB
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
I have Norton Internet Security(NIS) and malware bytes both paid for and work very well together. I have used Norton since way back in the 90's or when ever it started up, it has become very light weight on your system and has always been very effective. I haven't had a problem in the last 6 or 7 years since I quit trying to use pirated software.
I have two WS online 24/7 and a notebook and a touchscreen HP that are turned on when we use them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro MC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G75VW / Z97 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3610QM / I7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Z97 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Hyundai HTM315156CFR8C-PB PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M (GF114M)
    Sound Card
    VIA 6.0.10.1600
    Screen Resolution
    1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB
    Internet Speed
    30 down 3 up
    Browser
    Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    NIS and Malwarebytes

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUSTek Computer Inc. ASUS Notebook Series
    CPU
    Intel Celeron CPU N2815 @ 1.86GHz, 1863 Mhz, 2 Cores, 2 Logical Processors
    Memory
    3.87 GB usable
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Intel Display Audio
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 60 hertz
    Mouse
    ASUS Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    D:28.54 U:5.59
    Browser
    Firefox 29.0.1
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes' Pro
Windows Defender (built in to Win 8.1), CCleaner Pro and MalwareBytes Pro are what I use and I do AV for a living...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built Intel i7-3770k-based system
    CPU
    Intel i7-3770k, Overclocked to 4.6GHz (46x100) with Corsair H110i GT cooler
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 OC Formula 2.30 BIOS
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 2133 Corsair Vengeance Pro
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 980ti SC ACS 6GB DDR5 by EVGA
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD, Corsair SP2500 speakers and subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27EA33 [Monitor] (27.2"vis) HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB (system drive)
    WD 6TB Red NAS hard drives x 2 in Storage Spaces (redundancy)
    PSU
    Corsair 750ax fully modular power supply with sleeved cables
    Case
    Corsair Air 540 with 7 x 140mm fans on front, rear and top panels
    Cooling
    Corsair H110i GT liquid cooled CPU with 4 x 140" Corsair SP "push-pull" and 3 x 140mm fans
    Keyboard
    Thermaltake Poseidon Z illuminated keyboard
    Mouse
    Corsair M65 wired
    Internet Speed
    85MBps DSL
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro and CCleaner Pro
    Other Info
    Client of Windows Server 2012 R2 10 PC's, laptops and smartphones on the WLAN.

    1GBps Ethernet ports
Avast Internet Security, MBAM Pro and CCleaner free here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 8100 XPS Studio
    CPU
    i7 Quad Core 2.93ghz
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTS240 1GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 24" HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Keyboard
    Dell Wireless
    Mouse
    Dell Wireless
    Internet Speed
    6/1
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security 2015
Whatever suits you.

Hi,

My personal idea of a safe PC, either a laptop or desktop is:

Vipre Internet Security, (for up to 10 PC's), CCleaner, MalWare Bytes and CryptoPrevent. As yet I have not experienced any problems relating to, Trojans, Viruses Malware etc. Vipre does not slow down either my desktop or laptop. Every time I start up my desktop or laptops the first thing I do is check for updates for the AV then Emails and then surf, work or play. After surfing the net I always delete history etc, when shutting down IE, check PC/laptop with CCleaner and Malware Bytes. This might seem a convoluted way to use either pc's but to me I feel safe. I scan both PC's at least twice a week with Vipre, one manually one auto-setup. To date everything is working fine. To me it is a matter of choice and reviews, and "You make a choice for free and then if it suits you go for it.

ps, Thanks to this forum for all help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15-e020sa
    CPU
    Intell(R) Core (TM) i3-3110M CPU @ 2.4Ghz 2.4Ghz
    Memory
    8GB (7.89GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Antivirus
    Vipre Internet Security, CCleaner, MalWare Bytes, Revo Uni'r
I am of the opinion that as far as Windows 8.1 goes the only antivirus that does not make the OS take a performance hit is Microsoft's own Windows Defender.

Since the release of 8.1 I have been playing around installing and uninstalling different antivirus software both free and paid and I have come to the conclusion that installing anything but Windows Defender is going to have performance repercussions on the system. Everything I have installed to date has made my system take a hit, whether it be small or major. The minute I uninstall the antivirus software and let Windows Defender take over everything is back to normal and the system runs lickety split.

Now I am running Windows Defender / Malwarebytes Pro / Crypto Prevent and CCleaner.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 / Windows 8.1 Pro x64 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    Memory
    8 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GE Force 5200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2009M x's 2
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900 x's 2
    Hard Drives
    One internal Western Digital HD 650 GB
    Three external Western Digital HD's - 1 TB each
Anti-Virus Windows 8.1...Whatever Suits You

edee,

As my post says; 'Whatever Suits You'. I can only speak from my own experience, like yourself. To date I have not experienced any problems with either of my PC's, especially Email embodied rubbish. Perhaps I am one of the lucky ones. Why oh why do hackers have to invent and send out 'Trojans', 'Viruses', Malware and the like? They would, in my opinion gain more points in attacking websites that encourage grown ups to seek out minors and children. If I had my way all those taking part in this sort of behaviour "Should be Castrated and serve at least 100years in prison", or better still, in this country, UK, 'BRING BACK HANGING', sorry for shouting, look at Gary Glitter! Anyway I digress. You pays your money and take your choice. As long as whatever way the individual sets his/her PC up and is careful where they surf or what they download, they will enjoy many years of this brilliant technology.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15-e020sa
    CPU
    Intell(R) Core (TM) i3-3110M CPU @ 2.4Ghz 2.4Ghz
    Memory
    8GB (7.89GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Antivirus
    Vipre Internet Security, CCleaner, MalWare Bytes, Revo Uni'r
Hey snapp, a bit harsh to "Hackers" eh ?. It's just a generic term, I think 90% are not on the "Dark side" at all. Without "Hackers" we would not have Linux and open and free software etc. On the other hand all of us that are continually tinkering with computers and SW could could be considered at least partly hackers. The ones that are doing malicious things can have many "colors", from just curious kids to ones that do it for financial gain and are prosecuted for that when caught. Like in case with a lot of criminals, belief that they are not going to get caught is more important than the punishment and that too has to fit the crime. Seriously, you would hang a curious teenager for writing or distributing a piece of mallware ? After all, most such stuff is coming from them but they can easily become serious programmers and IT specialists. On the other hand they keep OS and SW manufacturers on their toes and like that make it safer for all of us from determined criminals.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
CountMike,

Perhaps that was a bit harsh. I just wish that those out there with the knowledge would Please do something about those vulgar horrible websites. Me being a father and what personal things happened to one of my children, perhaps you will excuse me for being a bit harsh. My apologies go out to those "Hackers" that do good.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15-e020sa
    CPU
    Intell(R) Core (TM) i3-3110M CPU @ 2.4Ghz 2.4Ghz
    Memory
    8GB (7.89GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Antivirus
    Vipre Internet Security, CCleaner, MalWare Bytes, Revo Uni'r
CountMike,

Perhaps that was a bit harsh. I just wish that those out there with the knowledge would Please do something about those vulgar horrible websites. Me being a father and what personal things happened to one of my children, perhaps you will excuse me for being a bit harsh. My apologies go out to those "Hackers" that do good.
I understand your point and 'am 100% with you there, even as an old adult I'm sometimes appalled by some sites but...
To get rid of stuff like that would require heavy censorship not compatible with democracy, free speech etc on a very uncontrollable media so it may be just wishful thinking we could get rid of that stuff.
Reality is that there's so much of ugly stuff going on with humanity that it has almost become a norm. I stopped watching horror films because they feel almost like comedy comparing to watching news.
It's up to individual to shield her/himself and loved ones 'cause nobody (almost) will do it any more.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
Hello i believe that McAfee and Malwarebytes is the best solution for windows 8.1(use it my self)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    acer apire v5 E5-521-46P1
    Memory
    6 gb ram
    Sound Card
    Bongiovi DPS FULL
    Screen Resolution
    hd
    Hard Drives
    500 gb internal +500+1000gb External
    Internet Speed
    300/50mb
    Browser
    pale moon and google chrome
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender 2018
    Other Info
    Security:Malwarebytes 3.1.2+Zemana Premium+Hitman Pro+Superantisyware Professional+Lastpass
    VPN:SurfEasy Ultra VPN+EkspressVPN+Private Internet Access
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