Do I need to buy anti virus with a new notepad PC

maggiesoup

Just bought an 11" ASUS and I'm sure I read somewhere that you don't need anti virus, firewalls etc (excuse the ignorance, I'm not too computer savvy) as it's all built in. Is this correct. If not, should I buy something or is there a good free one that EASY to download, note EASY!!

Many thanks

Browntoa

Avg and avast both do free android versions

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=Antivirus&c=apps&hl=en_GB


They also do windows 8 versions

Not sure what your asus is running

Jivesinger

If it is a PC-based tablet which came with Windows 8 (or 8.1) then yes it does have Microsoft's Firewall and Anti-virus (called Defender) built in.

The Microsoft Defender is a basic product; a lot better than having nothing at all, but there are other products out there with better protection, as per post above.

However that may be disabled if there's a 60-day trial of McAfee or whatever. If I had a trial version like that, I'd uninstall it and get something which won't expire so quickly.

I_have_spoken

Use Microsoft Security Essentials to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It provides real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/security-essentials-download

Then ditch Defender

ukcarper

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Use Microsoft Security Essentials to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It provides real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/security-essentials-download

Then ditch Defender

Why window defender on windows 8 is more or less Microsoft Security Essentials. I have been running a Windows 8 PC with defender for about a year with no problems. If not happy with that I would go for Avast which I have on a windows 7 pc. As has been said if there is a trial McAfee and you remove it make sure windows defender is switched on.

Knarf44

Windows Defender on 8 and 8.1 is the updated version of Microsoft Security Essentials. However, it seems to be suffering the from the same malaise that MSE suffered from ie it's actually not very good.

This is the latest review I could find and it summarises the testing done by https://www.av-test.org in November/December 2013.