Anti Virus Protection?

Question

Im getting a new laptop, and I was wondering what kind of anti virus protection is the best, how much it will cost, and what will happen if I don't have anti virus protection. I've never had my OWN computer before, so I'm used to having my parents handle all this stuff. Sorry if I sound a bit stupid!!

Answer 1

Hi Maci,



Congratulations on your first personal computer. I promise not to tell your parents that you overheard them. LOL!



Avast is a really good free Anti-Virus (AV). I assume that since this is a new computer, it may have the Windows 8 (W8) Operating System (OS) installed. If it is W8, W8 come with Windows Defender already installed which is a redesigned version of Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). Depending on where your parents get the computer, the manufacturer may also have installed another AV with a 30 day free trial period such as Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, etc. and the Windows Defender that is the onboard AV will be disabled. You will have to use a special product removal tool for that trial version that the manufacturer installed before you decide which other free AV you would like to install if you choose not to use Windows Defender.



Once you do get the new computer, anyone here at Yahoo! Answers would be more than happy to help you.



Asking questions and preparing ahead displays a fine sense of responsibility. Your parents would be proud! ;)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

No antivirus protection is a foolish risk. There are excellent and free versions out in the world. They'll keep your files safe. No antivirus pretty much means your computer will be junk in no time - filled with viruses that slow your computer down, programs and files infected and it'll be impossible to do anything. Just install one and save the hassle.



When you get the computer it'll come with one that you are expected to purchase after 30 days. Uninstall it and put in Avast or AVG. Either is excellent. My personal preference is for Avast. Download the free for home use and install it. It's legal and efficient.

Answer 4

your computer with operating system on it comes with a anti virus program for like 30 days free.

then if you like it you can buy it. in store is the best way to buy if buy it online make a copy be sure keep the serial key with it . can't reload without it. so best to buy 10 dvd right away for coping. do the system backup. when your computer sets up and you at your windows screen there will be a flag on the bottom right side it will have a red x. go there click and tell you how or where to go to do all that. just follow the instructions. your computer should come with windows defender.. it searches for lots of different problems on your computer and gives you internet protection when on. I had trouble with it cause needed be administrative mode to get it to load and really don't know how explain that to you. maybe the store can. or load it for you. then there lots anti virus programs out there I use one free from the window store. advance system care and really like that. it not anti virus but close too it.

if I were to buy one I go with the Norton .. link below shows cost and what it does from 50- 115.00 or something. keep in mind something better than nothing. but anyone with defender ... will give you good protection. do you need one? well I don't use them. just the defender and the advance system care and works forb me. but really up to you how secure you want to be. keep in mind the more security you have takes cpu memory resources and can make getting on the internet impossible. so use carefully. but they work.

Answer 5

Avast also provide a good free antivirus program. Without that level of protection as a minimum, you are asking for trouble from viruses that can delete everything, spy on your passwords and steal from your bank account/credit card/paypal etc.

Answer 6

Avast is good, but if your getting a widows computer, windows offers "windows defender" for free!

And it's good enough for a single person.



~Nate

Answer 7

MalwareBytes is the best I've encountered. It's around 25 dollars on their website. If you don't have it, you'll probably never really have any problems, but this thing is a godly existence that actually tells you ALL of the problems you're computer is facing.