My McAfee subscription end next month, and I don't know if I should renew

[CatWoman]

what do you guys think?

[PoliticAverse]

1. Plenty of good free alternatives. What Operating System are you using ? n/t

[CatWoman]

9. windows 10

[IcyPeas]

2. I have Malwarebytes Premium

I used to use their free version, but then decided to splurge for the Premium. it gives me a bit of peace of mind.

[Quemado]

3. I've been using BitDefender on my machines for several years.

If you are looking for the best antivirus software, most online reviews I've seen have rated BitDefender #1.

If you are looking for the best deal on antivirus software, it depends on how much of a discount you can find. Since you subscription runs out next month, one possibility for you would be to install a free antivirus software package after McAfee expires, and use the free package until Black Friday or Cyber Monday. By then, a lot of the antivirus providers should have some good deals.

[Brainfodder]

24. Visit av-test.org

Covers Android, MAC, and Windows.

I use Bitdefender too, that was meant as reply to OP.

[Quemado]

25. Since reading all the responses on this thread, I've dropped BitDefender.

On my wife's Windows machine, we use Windows' built-in anti virus.

On my Mac, it's a free anti-virus software package.

On my Linux machine, nothing

[Brainfodder]

26. BD still in charge here, sort of, it's a better product now too, but yeah I scan with others

as needed, especially if I hear of an outbreak.

I donated to bleepingcomputer even, good resource.

/cheers

[matt819]

31. Sometimes it's best to pay for stuff

I’ve been happy with bitdefender and also have malwarebytes premium.

[in2herbs]

4. I think McAfee is crazier than a loon and has exiled himself from the US. Use another one. nt

[Voltaire2]

8. and doesn't own mcafee, and hasn't for a long time.

[Ghost Dog]

21. Now owned by Intel (49%) and Tarrant Capital IP, LLC (51%). Almost impossible to deinstall

completely, from my experience, a few years ago.

I do recommend Malwarebytes.

[alwaysinasnit]

5. Consumer Reports recommendations

Bitdefender (free)
Avast (free)
AVG (free)

[CatWoman]

10. thanks always

[Marie Marie]

6. I use Avast Free.

I like it but you do get constant ads wanting you to upgrade to the paid subscription.

[vsrazdem]

27. I use Avast free also, but I did pay for a subscription for their Clean up program, to get rid of

all the crap that slow my computer down, and I use it all the time.

[MuseRider]

29. I did not know about that.

I think I will do that too, my computer is fast as can be then it just begins to lag and I take forever going through things and getting rid of them. That sounds like a great idea, it could not be more expensive than I would consider my time when things bog down.

Thanks!

[vsrazdem]

30. I really like it. I tried the driver update and some other program they had but cancelled as I

didn't think it was worth it, but I really find that the Clean up program works quite well, getting rid of all my downloads and sites visited that can bog down my computer. It will also tell you if you have programs that you have not used in quite a while you can put them to sleep, until you use them again, and that will also speed up programs. It was worth it for me, as I use my computer for work and when the computer slows down it can be pretty irritating.

[MuseRider]

32. Thank you! n/t

[MuseRider]

28. Agreed.

I have it on my phone. So far so good.

Windows 10 I use the Windows Security and Malwarebytes.

[Voltaire2]

7. the built in windows defender av is as good as the other top av products.

so just uninstall mcafee and save yourself some dollars.

[CatWoman]

11. what turned me off with them

is their pushiness (and costliness)

[TreasonousBastard]

12. Assuming Windows, why use any? Most "experts" I've heard from say Win10's Defender is...

one of the best out there. It even has "tamper prevention" that stops malware from changing your settings. (You have to turn it on, though) And it's got protection from ransomware.

I rely on Defender and have Malwarebytes (free) as a backup. Both run quietly in the background and I haven't had any problems for years.

[CatWoman]

13. can you (please) walk me thru setting it up?

[BigmanPigman]

14. Yes, I would like to know too since I am in the same boat.

[TreasonousBastard]

17. See #16

[TreasonousBastard]

16. Most of the important stuff is already on, but to check it out...

Press the Windows key, or click the icon.

Click the little gear on the lower left-- "Settings"

Probably down on the bottom will be "Update and Security"

Then "Windows Security" and finally "Virus and threat protection"

After all that you should see a list of things with green checkmarks. If the green checks aren't there, click and turn things on. On the bottom should be "ransomware protection" which is off by default. It's off because it could cause errors in perfectly good operations and you would go nuts trying to find out why. Most of us don't need the protection because ransomware usually attacks larger operations, but if it makes you comfortable, turn it on. And,
just about any changes you make can be reversed.

While you're in there, spend some time poking around things. There's a lot of info in Settings, and some other changes you might want to make.

[BigmanPigman]

18. Cool, THANKS!!!

I am going to take a screen shot of your directions on my tablet and take it to my desk top comp.

[CatWoman]

22. thanks Hon

[steve2470]

20. I second this

Windows Defender is built right into the operating system, so it uses the least resources and interferes the least. It's well rated and I've never had an issue with it. Half the battle is just not clicking on the wrong stuff.

[OnDoutside]

15. I've been using Windows Defender for the last few years and have had

no problems. It's free.

[COLGATE4]

19. Malwarebytes Premium is the way to go

Definitely the best out there for Windows 10