Microsoft 365 and security options

Sunshine_and_Roses

I have Microsoft 365 Personal plan which is coming up for renewal.  Last year I bought through Amazon, and was considering the same again for £45.99

I'm embarrassed to say that I dont run security checks on my laptop. Should I purchase a package with McAfee included (£49.99 at Amazon for family package even though it's just for me) or is there an alternative /better one to use? I don't know how often I should be running security checks, I see some pop ups but usually click the cross in the corner to get rid 😩. 

wongataa

Do not install McAffee.

Just make sure the security built into Windows (Defender) is all turned on.  It most likely is if you haven't installed 3rd party products.  The built in Windows security is free and will work just fine.

If you can get a better deal for Office by including McAffee or similar by all means purchase it this way but don't install McAffee or similar.

Confusedlad

I'm of the view that Windows Defender , the default free, antivirus software that comes with Windows, is as good as any 3rd party software like Norton, Kapersky, or McAffee.  There is other "free" AV software which you could install (eg avast) but why bother.  Recent review by computer active rated windows defender very highly.
  Tbh I think it's a bit of a con. New pc's typically come with AV software pre installed with a 60 day free trial, after which I guess a lot of people just subscribe (out of fear or through inertia). But Defender is there and will take over protection for free.

Sunshine_and_Roses

Is there a way of checking that I just have the default anti virus software? I assume if I have more than one then they can 'annoy' each other. How often do you run checks?
I wasn't joking when I said that I don't use it! 

Confusedlad

In settings go to windows security (or similar depending on your OS).  Then it should be clear .  You can run scans from here but windows periodically, by default, will run them.  Updates are automatic when you have an internet connection (& enough battery or on mains).

Sunshine_and_Roses

Confusedlad said:

In settings go to windows security (or similar depending on your OS).  Then it should be clear .  You can run scans from here but windows periodically, by default, will run them.  Updates are automatic when you have an internet connection (& enough battery or on mains).

I didn't realise it was that straightforward.  It says Secure Boot is on, so I assume that is enough? 

J_B

clareski said:

I have Microsoft 365 Personal plan which is coming up for renewal.  Last year I bought through Amazon, and was considering the same again for £45.99

I'm embarrassed to say that I dont run security checks on my laptop. Should I purchase a package with McAfee included (£49.99 at Amazon for family package even though it's just for me) or is there an alternative /better one to use? I don't know how often I should be running security checks, I see some pop ups but usually click the cross in the corner to get rid 😩. 

Commenting on the first part of your query - I just bought a ...

Microsoft 365 Personal | (PC/MAC/Tablet) – 1 Device – One Time Payment

for under a tenner - think MSE!

Sunshine_and_Roses

J_B said:

clareski said:

I have Microsoft 365 Personal plan which is coming up for renewal.  Last year I bought through Amazon, and was considering the same again for £45.99

I'm embarrassed to say that I dont run security checks on my laptop. Should I purchase a package with McAfee included (£49.99 at Amazon for family package even though it's just for me) or is there an alternative /better one to use? I don't know how often I should be running security checks, I see some pop ups but usually click the cross in the corner to get rid 😩. 

Commenting on the first part of your query - I just bought a ...

Microsoft 365 Personal | (PC/MAC/Tablet) – 1 Device – One Time Payment

for under a tenner - think MSE!

How did you manage that?  Is it from Ebay?

J_B

clareski said:

How did you manage that?  Is it from Ebay?

Nope - Software Supply