Do I need Anti Virus Software?

[gator2013]

Nothing is ever easy for me it seems. I don't get a screen like the one shown in the link. When I click on Windows Defender this is what pops up:

I'm afraid to uninstall Avira if I don't have Defender to protect me afterwards. I went to action center and disabled Avira. But it's still running. I tried to go back to that screen but it's no longer there in Action Center.

The screenshot you posted with this is indicative of another AV monitoring your system. Defender will automatically be disabled if another AV is active.

Keep Avira as it is far better than Defender. In general, the only way to activate Defender is to completely uninstall Avira and if the uninstall is complete, Defender should automatically prompt you with a message to activate.

 

[gerald309]

Another free program that probably does better is .....
Comodo Free Anti Virus
Comodo Free Antivirus 2015 | Complete Virus Protection

PRESS:
Comodo Internet Security Earns the Prestigious VB100 Virus Certification
HostReview.com (press release) April 14, 2011
http://www.hostreview.com/news/1104...y-earns-prestigious-vb100-virus-certification

 

[Joycekyle]

I think virus defender is necessary!

 

[Rocky]

I'm running 8.1 and my computer repair guy said I didn't need virus protection because it was built right into 8.1. Is this true?

I just built a Windows 8.1 computer and I got free Norton with the CPU purchase. I never loaded it because I prefer Windows Defender, it does a good job. Just stay on top of security, don't be passive about your security. Use MalwareBytes regularly, and Ad-Aware.