Are you still paying for anti-virus software or do you use one of the freebies? What's your experience?

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Ancient Hippy Profile
Ancient Hippy answered

I use the free version of Avast and I'm very happy with it. Like Rooster, I found that AVG was really slowing down my computer.

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Didge Doo
Didge Doo commented
Thanks, Hippy. I used AVG for a while but haven't come across Avast. (I haven't paid for AV software for years and hardly ever had a problem.)
Ancient Hippy
Ancient Hippy commented
Avast has an upgrade option that gives you more defense, but with the free version and what comes standard on Win10, I'll just stay with the free version.
Virginia Lou Profile
Virginia Lou answered

Dear Didge,

When I had my old PC (1998 Gateway), my experience with anti-virus software was not good...almost acted like a virus itself! Plus it did not protect from all viruses, I did get one...

That was part of the reason I got Apple (2006) when I updated... However Apple of course IS still vulnerable...but so far it has worked out okay. Added to that I go mainly to a few trusted sites, or where others refer, as they may on Blurt; don't go Internet exploring a lot... 

However I am going to Favourite this Q because I am not too happy with Apple, always prefer the power of MS Word. And yes I do have Word on my Apple, but it is still not the same.

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Didge Doo
Didge Doo commented
Couple of things to think about, Virginia.

Yes, Apple gets far fewer viruses and malware than PCs but as the number of Macs have increased more and more criminals are looking at them. For the time being they're a lot safer but that won't last.

Second, Microsoft have stopped selling Office/Word and now rent it out. You have to pay an annual fee to use it. You might find it better to use either Open Office or Libre Office which both do the same things and are both free.

Open Office was taken over by Apache who, I believe, have allowed the development to lapse somewhat. Libre Office (the one I use) is offered by the same crew who developed Open Office and who are still continuing with the development and improvement -- both both are good.
Virginia Lou
Virginia Lou commented
Dozy thank you, I do consider that information just invaluable.
My computer is just indispensable to my retirement life, I know you do understand...
Rooster Cogburn Profile
Rooster Cogburn , Rooster Cogburn, answered

I use Windows Defender some but I recently dumped AVG Free as it turned out to be a clunker over time. A good friend of mine re-wrote a bunch of the coding for Webroot and I switched to that. $29.99 a year. But I also have Malwarebytes Free and Hitman Pro. My systems are as safe as can be now. You might look into Webroot Secure Anywhere as it sure put a lot of speed back into my system.

Retiredkop Retiredkop Profile
Retiredkop Retiredkop answered

My business runs on Apple products, IMAX desktop, iPad, and iPhone for support!  We run 3 brother dual tray laser printers, 2 HP dual tray Office-jet printers, and another Brother Officejet printer in the trunk of my car.  The only antivirus software we use is provided by Apple as part of there IOS.  I got tired of windows charging for their upgrades, anti virus software and everything else.  Been with rotten fruit (Apple) for three years, no issues.

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Didge Doo
Didge Doo commented
My spell checker is OK but my fingers stink. That RJ was supposed to be RK. :(
Virginia Lou
Virginia Lou commented
Me too, RK...at first I was such distress at hearing of your health... now I just thank every day, every time you come into Blurt.

Stay as long as you possibly can, please, we need you here.
Retiredkop Retiredkop
Retiredkop Retiredkop commented
I will give it one heck of a try!

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