Saving money on security programs?

Johnson504

OK, last time I asked this question it was deleted and I am not sure why. Maybe I just posted it in the wrong place. Anyway, here goes.

I am looking to save money. I know it's important to take your computer security seriously, especially when you work as a freelancer as I do. The thing is I hate spending so much money on security programs when I am on a tight budget. I know I shouldn't trust free security software because it may be a virus or something like that. What do you all use that's not going to break the bank?

bluesnake

have a look here
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4903833

System

Don't need third party AV software if you're running Windows 8.1 or 10, just keep all your software on the computer up to date, especially Windows Updates and updates for whatever browser you use, don't get stuff from dodgy sites, uninstall Adobe Flash, install an Adblocker, run Windows Defender.

What is more important than AV software, especially to someone using a computer for business, is backups, preferably more than one and preferably one of them off site such as using Google Drive or MS Onedrive for docs etc.

forgotmyname

Your a freelancer and you do not trust free software because it may contain a virus?

Windows 10 was free is that a Virus? Maybe a bad example.

Your post was probably removed because whilst your post made out you were asking for help it was a miracle that you knew the perfect software to use.

Your profile seems to have changed also. No mention of your interest in the previously mentioned software.

RumRat

Just use one of the free ones....Perfectly adequate for your needs....End.

[Deleted User]

forgotmyname wrote: »

Your post was probably removed because whilst your post made out you were asking for help it was a miracle that you knew the perfect software to use.

Your profile seems to have changed also. No mention of your interest in the previously mentioned software.

Ahh, that explains the rather odd sounding thread. How long before they just happen to mention whatever it is they're trying to flog?

AndyPix

Johnson504 wrote: »

it may be a virus or something like that. ?

Download from the official site then ..
Better still, refer to post 3 and just use microsofts built in offering coupled with some common sense (no clicking random links, think about that attachment you have just received before opening it etc)


Welcome to MSE by the way

Johnson504

Thanks everyone, I guess I should have mentioned that I have a Mac. I know a little bit about technology, and I know that there are always loopholes in programs and that's why they are always being updated. I just didn't know if I needed anything else to protect myself. I guess I just worry about being hacked since I visit a ton of sites as a freelancer.

DoaM

Hands across the water. You're from the USA yet you've received help from people in the UK.

(Despite being .com, this is actually a UK forum).

System

Johnson504 wrote: »

Thanks everyone, I guess I should have mentioned that I have a Mac.

So do I. Same advice applies as it did to my post regarding Windows. Make sure you're running the latest version of OSX, currently Sierra 10.12.3, and that you regularly update it by checking for updates in the App store because unlike Windows I find that OS X will often have updates but not prompt you or install them in the background without you manually doing it. Check that Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera or whatever you're using is the latest version, again you may need to do this manually, and remove Adobe Flash if you installed it. Personally I'd keep away from Safari as it has a long history of using very outdated versions of Flash and Java. And finally as in my last post, back up, back up, back up.

Bullish

Whilst advice on ways for avoiding nasties anti-virus, even on a Mac, is still a good idea. Avoiding dodgy sites is one way but even reputable sites can be hacked and dish out malware.

If you are looking for something free to run on a Mac have a look at Sophos. They have recently changed to home users to be free. Not your normal commercial vendor as they tend to aim at businesses.

For the really techy people out there you can even play with a UTM from them for gratis.