Virus protection

Meeky555

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Scotland
As I pick up my new lAptop tomorrow I'm guessing it will only come with anti virus trial. Can anyone recommend any good anti virus protecters? Are free anti virus such as avg any good?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    2.7 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Acer Intel i54210U
    Memory
    4GB
I've tried a lot of them. Presently been using COMODO for a couple months and really like it. Maybe not the best for the novice as it has a lot of user options and can take awhile to figure out the best settings.

Other than it, I would recommend Avast. Both have free editions for home use. Some people swear by only using Windows Defender and running Malwarebytes regularly.

I'm sure you're going to get lots of opinions on this one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
As important as anti-virus and anti-malware programs are, it is also equally important where you surf the net and what you download or e-mail attachments you receive and how you handle them.

Don't download software from unknown sites. When you do install "good" software, don't just accept the "defaults", but do a "custom install" and read carefully what the software is trying to install, to make sure you are getting what you are expecting. Careful about opening e-mail attachments, they can contain a virus or malware.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 17R - 5737
    CPU
    Intel i5-4200U Processor (3M Cache, up to 2.6 GHz, UMA)
    Memory
    8 GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz (4GBx2) Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3 inch LED Backlit Display with Truelife and HD+
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital, 1-TB WD Blue SATA III, 5400 RPM, 8 MB Cache
    Mouse
    Microsoft Comfort Mouse 4500
    Internet Speed
    20 mb up / 17 mb down
    Browser
    Google Chrome 64-bit
    Antivirus
    MS Defender / Malwarebytes PRO
You will get no sensible advice from anyone. I would say Defender is fine for me, others like Avast Free others like other things. Nothing will be better just because you pay for it.

You could Google it until your are bored but sevenfrums has a good thread if you want to read 700 pages of opinions (mostly disliking Norton)

The real answer is don't click on something unless you trust it. I'm vegetarian - I don't eat something until I've asked what is in it.

Defender and Malwarebytes free is I think OK.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
- Windows Defender
- EMET
- Do not disable the User Account Control (UAC).
- Use a standard user account instead of an administrator account.

I recommend that you always log in with a standard account for everyday use, even if you are the only person using your computer. Using the standard user account still allows you to install software and make changes, but only after entering the administrator’s password.

Best way to protect yourself from Windows exploits is you | chuck talking tech

We all know that when we setup a new computer we “should” create a standard user accounts for all system users and not use the administrator account for day to day activities.

According to the analysis done by Avecto of last year’s Window’s “Patch Tuesday” vulnerabilities and reported February 18, 2014 in the “Removing admin rights mitigates 92% of critical Microsoft vulnerabilities” choosing the standard over administrator role can reduce the chances of a user’s system from being compromised by malware attacks.

edit: March 30, 2015 Removing admin rights mitigates 97% of critical Microsoft vulnerabilities

If you already have Windows 8/8.1 installed, how to change your current user account from an administrator account to a standard account?

Step One: Create a new administrator account. There is no need to create a Microsoft account.

1. Create a new local account: link

9. To Add a Local Account in Windows 8 and 8.1

A) Click/tap on the bottom Sign in without Microsoft account link. (see screenshot below step 8A)

B) Click/tap on the Local account button. (see screenshot below)



C) Type in user name, password, and password hint for the new user account (standard), and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)


2. Change user account from a standard account to an administrator account: link


Step Two: Change your current user account from an administrator account to a standard account.

Now you have an administrator account (local account) and a standard account (Microsoft or local account).

Step Three: Now always log in with a standard account for everyday use (see screenshot below).

User account type.png

Please note that sometimes you will need to log in with an administrator account (see screenshots below).

Disk Management.png

Device Manager.png
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo E525
    CPU
    AMD A4-3300M @ 2,0GHz
    Memory
    6GB DDR3 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6480G 512MB shared
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    WD 465GB
    Cooling
    Fusion Tweaker
    Keyboard
    Logitech K360
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    50/50 MBps
    Browser
    Yandex
    Antivirus
    No AV & No Firewall
    Other Info
    Headphones: Sennheiser RS170
- Windows Defender
- EMET
- Do not disable the User Account Control (UAC).
- Use a standard user account instead of an administrator account.

I recommend that you always log in with a standard account for everyday use, even if you are the only person using your computer. Using the standard user account still allows you to install software and make changes, but only after entering the administrator’s password.

Best way to protect yourself from Windows exploits is you | chuck talking tech

We all know that when we setup a new computer we “should” create a standard user accounts for all system users and not use the administrator account for day to day activities.

According to the analysis done by Avecto of last year’s Window’s “Patch Tuesday” vulnerabilities and reported February 18, 2014 in the “Removing admin rights mitigates 92% of critical Microsoft vulnerabilities” choosing the standard over administrator role can reduce the chances of a user’s system from being compromised by malware attacks.

NOTE: If you already have Windows installed, how to change your current user account from an administrator account to a standard account?

Step One: Create a new administrator account.

1. Create a new local account: link

9. To Add a Local Account in Windows 8 and 8.1

A) Click/tap on the bottom Sign in without Microsoft account link. (see screenshot below step 8A)

B) Click/tap on the Local account button. (see screenshot below)



C) Type in user name, password, and password hint for the new user account (standard), and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)


2. Change user account from a standard account to an administrator account: link


Step Two: Change your current user account from an administrator account to a standard account.

That's it. Now you have a standard account (Microsoft or local account) and an administrator account (local account).

I'm hopeful of trying this advice on my PC. Few doubts, if you could clarify:

I have only one account in my lap - thats me - its MS account & obviously I'm the admin. Now, according to you, I should create a new local account - make it Admin from control panel - then change my first Admin acc to Standard(even if it is MS account). Is this correct? Will doing this make any changes or malfunction of anything already present or installed in my system?

Second thing, can EMET be installed in my PC - it already has KIS & MBAM free. Will there be any conflicts , resource hog? (I've SSD already in my lap as boot drive)

Thank u very much :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Update x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15
    CPU
    Haswell Core i5 4200U
    Memory
    8GB Dual-Channel DDR3L @1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4400 Integrated; 2GB Dedicated NVIDIA GT 740M
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 840 EVO Internal SSD ;
    2TB WD MyPassport Ultra EHDD ;
    1TB TOSHIBA HDD
    Cooling
    Deepcool X6
    Mouse
    Logitech B175 Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    10 Mbps
    Browser
    Opera v25.0
    Antivirus
    KIS 2014
    Other Info
    Microsoft Wired Xbox 360 Controller
I have only one account in my lap - thats me - its MS account & obviously I'm the admin. Now, according to you, I should create a new local account - make it Admin from control panel - then change my first Admin acc to Standard (even if it is MS account). Is this correct?

Yes.

Will doing this make any changes or malfunction of anything already present or installed in my system?

No.

Second thing, can EMET be installed in my PC - it already has KIS & MBAM free.

EMET should work well on your computer.

Will there be any conflicts, resource hog?

No.

EMET.png
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
@genet
Can I copy my present admin user profile to my new local account so that I dont have to change settings & install apps again on the new one or is it not possible?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Update x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15
    CPU
    Haswell Core i5 4200U
    Memory
    8GB Dual-Channel DDR3L @1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4400 Integrated; 2GB Dedicated NVIDIA GT 740M
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 840 EVO Internal SSD ;
    2TB WD MyPassport Ultra EHDD ;
    1TB TOSHIBA HDD
    Cooling
    Deepcool X6
    Mouse
    Logitech B175 Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    10 Mbps
    Browser
    Opera v25.0
    Antivirus
    KIS 2014
    Other Info
    Microsoft Wired Xbox 360 Controller
Can I copy my present admin user profile to my new local account so that I dont have to change settings & install apps again on the new one or is it not possible?

No need to install apps again.

I edited my first post (added "Step Three:").
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
Can I copy my present admin user profile to my new local account so that I dont have to change settings & install apps again on the new one or is it not possible?

No need to install apps again.

I edited my first post (added "Step Three:").

Ok, had a doubt in my mind - that's exactly what I needed,

One doubt remaining -
Quoting your first post:
"I recommend that you always log in with a standard account for everyday use, even if you are the only person using your computer. Using the standard user account still allows you to install software and make changes, but only after entering the administrator’s password."

Will it matter if I HAVE/DO NOT have a password in my new admin local account. I know it entirely voids out the purpose of this whole thing, but it is a question to be asked.

Thank you very much :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Update x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15
    CPU
    Haswell Core i5 4200U
    Memory
    8GB Dual-Channel DDR3L @1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4400 Integrated; 2GB Dedicated NVIDIA GT 740M
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 840 EVO Internal SSD ;
    2TB WD MyPassport Ultra EHDD ;
    1TB TOSHIBA HDD
    Cooling
    Deepcool X6
    Mouse
    Logitech B175 Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    10 Mbps
    Browser
    Opera v25.0
    Antivirus
    KIS 2014
    Other Info
    Microsoft Wired Xbox 360 Controller
With no admin password, simply UAC will ask you to confirm the requested action.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Upd 1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio Pro 13
    CPU
    Intel i7
    Hard Drives
    PCIe SSD
    Browser
    FF
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
With no admin password, simply UAC will ask you to confirm the requested action.

Thanks JP, thats clears it.

Just created my new local account(admin) & changed previous MS account to standard.

Cheers!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Update x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 15
    CPU
    Haswell Core i5 4200U
    Memory
    8GB Dual-Channel DDR3L @1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4400 Integrated; 2GB Dedicated NVIDIA GT 740M
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 840 EVO Internal SSD ;
    2TB WD MyPassport Ultra EHDD ;
    1TB TOSHIBA HDD
    Cooling
    Deepcool X6
    Mouse
    Logitech B175 Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    10 Mbps
    Browser
    Opera v25.0
    Antivirus
    KIS 2014
    Other Info
    Microsoft Wired Xbox 360 Controller
A perfect combination in my opinion that I have implemented except for SRP for which I seek guidance are as follows:

  1. Windows Defender or any of the free Av
  2. MBAM Premium
  3. EMET
Last but not the least login as Standard User

Also your first line of defense should be a completely patched system not limited to OS only but all installed programs
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64-bit OEM Install Upgraded to 8.1 through Store
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY dv6
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.5GHz
Commonsense approach to staying pretty safe online

ROUTER

1. Ensure router firmware is up to date
3. Disable PING, disable web access from WAN
4. Change router admin username & password
5. Implement wireless LAN WPA2 encryption
6. Ensure router firewall is ON

PC / laptop

1. Don't use admin account for everyday use
2. Ensure a firewall is ON (Windows or 3rd party)
3. Install a good AV (personally I use Bitdefender...)
4. Don't browse to dodgy websites
5. Disable Java
6. Consider putting noscript & adblocker plugins into place for your browser (Firefox is a good choice)
7. Scan weekly
8. Don't click on links in emails (especially from unknown senders)
9. Ensure updates are applied (Windows Update, Adobe etc)

Sounds a lot of effort but in reality it's just a set up & occasional check... and you will be as safe as you can realistically be without unreasonably locking down your PC & seriously limiting your web usage...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Upd 1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio Pro 13
    CPU
    Intel i7
    Hard Drives
    PCIe SSD
    Browser
    FF
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    It's a Dell, Dude.
    CPU
    Intel Caffinated Core Duo
    Motherboard
    Father is bored too.
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia something-or-another
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HD TV/Monitor/Alternative Dimensional Viewing Portal
    Screen Resolution
    Fuzzy after a couple drinks
    Hard Drives
    2 or 3, depending on if it's a night they're arguing about having a "split personality crisis" because I partitioned the drive.
    Case
    Don't get on my case....man
    Cooling
    Scotch on the rocks on the weekends..
    Keyboard
    Mad Catz Cyborg V7. Or maybe Cyborg Catz Are Mad At V7's??? I know it lights up...far out.
    Mouse
    currently being stalked by the cat...
    Internet Speed
    Never fast enough...
    Browser
    Defeated by Mario...wait...OH...BRowser...
    Antivirus
    Various
A perfect combination in my opinion that I have implemented except for SRP for which I seek guidance are as follows:

  1. Windows Defender or any of the free Av
  2. MBAM Premium
  3. EMET
Last but not the least login as Standard User

Also your first line of defense should be a completely patched system not limited to OS only but all installed programs
Though not an Antivirus but excellent to have WinPatrol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64-bit OEM Install Upgraded to 8.1 through Store
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY dv6
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.5GHz
A perfect combination in my opinion that I have implemented except for SRP for which I seek guidance are as follows:

  1. Windows Defender or any of the free Av
  2. MBAM Premium
  3. EMET
Last but not the least login as Standard User

Also your first line of defense should be a completely patched system not limited to OS only but all installed programs
Though not an Antivirus but excellent to have WinPatrol

I have WinPatrol Plus.
It gives good info on files you are unsure of.

Only 1 AV at a time.

I use Avast Internet Security.
My computer is virus & adware & malware free. :)

Good surfing habits help a lot.{no porn or torrents, etc.}
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
except for SRP for which I seek guidance
I don't mean to hijack this thread Admins/Mods please delete if it's infringement

Someone please give good pointers or step-by-step tutorial

Thank you
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64-bit OEM Install Upgraded to 8.1 through Store
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY dv6
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.5GHz
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