Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
I have an Acer v5 running Windows 8 and I want to know waht Antivirus will work well on the machine. I am new to computers - just learning.
2014-04-15 10:25:48
Avast is the best and lightweight antivirus you can have.
2014-04-10 22:01:55
AVIRA Antivirus, suits it..!!
2014-04-09 19:39:57
I would also suggest downloading and installing AntiToolbar: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/antitoolbar.html. This product should help reduce one of the most annoying issues that users have, which is junk or malware/spyware toolbars that install into your web browsers, change the default search engine, and behind a huge nuisance that may be difficult to remove from your computer and web browser.Here are some very useful tips to help avoid common user related issues and problems that may be prevented: http://www.combofix.org/15-tips-for-online-safety-security.php.
2014-04-02 12:51:10
Most antivirus products will work with Windows 8 (or have a version compatible with it), and Hovsep's list is a great starting point. Personally, I really like Avast, and I find AVG to be resource hungry, but all the products on the list will do the job. Microsoft Security Essentials (which is built into Windows 8 and branded "Windows Defender") has really slipped in recent times and I wouldn't recommend it when there are plenty of excellent, free alternatives available, such as those named above.However, I would also advise you to install a second (free) anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (make sure to get it from Malwarebytes.org, as there are fake versions out there) or SuperAntiSpyware. Use this to scan your system monthly or when you feel your system may have been compromised and between it and your AV solution you will be well protected.
2014-04-02 08:27:30
Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender is okay if you are a careful user and know what to look for in order to maintain security of your system (it has not done well the past couple of years to become antivirus certified). Avast probably would be a better option, especially for a novice user. Avira, unfortunately, is not as recommended for beginners as it will throw false positives, and the nag screens to purchase a license can be quite annoying. Avira, however, is great at finding infections.Malwarebytes AntiMalware Free is highly recommended, as well. It does not run in the background as antivirus software would, which makes it safe to keep on your computer. Just open it and run a full scan on a regular basis, like once or twice a month, more if you download files often.If you find yourself not liking Avast, you can try out Panda Cloud Free or Bitdefender Free as they are light weight (won't slow your system down to where you can notice), work nicely in protection and prevention, and are typically user friendly. Also, unless you do online banking and shopping, free antivirus software would be sufficient, or try out Comodo Internet Security and use the Virtual Kiosk mode with on-screen keyboard to help prevent important data from being stolen when you enter your information.
2014-04-02 00:32:51
If you don't mind paying for an anti-virus, in my opinion
Kaspersky
is best. Otherwise, a free alternative is Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast.
2014-04-01 15:44:42
Hovsep gave a lot of good choices. I personally always recommend avast! free antivirus. But you'd do well with any of the other choices, like Avira. If you're on Windows 8, also make sure to update to 8.1 through the store for free!
2014-04-01 09:18:09
Avast free, should be good for you, if you need firewall then turn to other listed security tool.https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7251228/type/dlg/sid/UUmuoUeUpU75313/https://www.avast.com/en-us/index-t1AVG AntiVirus Free http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-downloadAvira Free Antivirushttp://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirusComodo Free Antivirus: http://www.comodo.com/products/free-products.phpKingsoft Antivirus: Cloud Basedhttp://pcdoctor.kingsoft.com/Outpost Security Suite : Firewall includedhttp://free.agnitum.com/why-outpost-security-free.php#compareZoneAlarm 2015 Free Antivirus + Firewall v13.0.208.000http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/downloads/3328239/zonealarm-free-antivirus--firewall-v103100000/