New Laptop

PoGee

I'm looking for a new laptop. Are some 'safer' than others? Or is it just down to whatever software is on it e.g. McAfee? Is the free Windows firewall and defender just as good? Is it better to pay a bit extra when buying a laptop, for added security?

Billxx

If you can afford it get a MacBook.  It is generally thought that the architecture of MACos makes them harder to attack.  Some people with MAC's do not even run anti-virus software.

I personally do use anti-virus software, but I am probably over cautious.

PoGee

Thanks for reply Bill. I don't want to spend that much. Is there a fairly decent one at £300-£400? I don't want to waste money either so if keeping the budget low means compromising security, I'd rather up the budget. 

400ixl

Microsoft's Defender security is on par with the rest of the market and has been for some time. Personally I would use that and then run an anti-malware program like Malwarebytes periodically (once a month or so).

No need to pay for any AV these days.

Billxx

400ixl said:

Microsoft's Defender security is on par with the rest of the market and has been for some time. Personally I would use that and then run an anti-malware program like Malwarebytes periodically (once a month or so).

No need to pay for any AV these days.

Yep, agree with that.  Malwarebytes is very good.

PoGee

Is the free version of malwarebytes ok? The old family laptop is a 7 year old Lenovo. I think it's got windows defender but anti virus has been out of date for a while. Clicking 'install updates' doesn't do anything. So think time to get a new one. It's slow and clunky.

400ixl

Yes, the free version of Malwarebytes is fine. All you really get by paying is for it to be running in the background doing live scanning, but a monthly scan is fine for most people with AV running as well.

Neil49

If your current laptop is running on Windows 10 or 11 then windows defender should be updating automatically. 

With regards to a new laptop I would definitely consider a nearly new or refurbished model in very good or excellent condition from a reputable supplier. The difference in specification with each new model release is fairly limited and is only important if you have specific power user requirements. 

Start with Dell Outlet. 

mgfvvc

PoGee said:

 Is it better to pay a bit extra when buying a laptop, for added security?

Extra money won't generally go to security. It may get you more speed or storage, but rarely better security.

BlueonBlue

I just ordered a new Asus 16" Ryzen 5 ,8 Ram ,256SSD, 300nit screen ,1 year warranty, win 11 which was delivered in less than 24 hours for £274 and change 
I believe its a 2023 model .
It was  AO.com via its ebay store at £343 with what I assume was a limited 20% ebay discount code. 
These ebay discount codes are not uncommon so are a good time to buy ive seen them on motoring parts and laptops etc.

This deal wouldnt and didnt last long which I was well aware of as 58 sold in 2 days or less from when I saw it .
Another 15.6 Ryzen 7 version went for £328 with the code 
You can still get the Ryzen 5 model for £339 via AO direct which is not bad if the spec size suit .

 .

zagubov

I'd second the suggestion for a MacBook. Just not a new one.

You can get 12-year old macbook pro models from mid-2012s that will play optical discs like DVDs, aircast them to your smartTV, use commands via Siri, will run MS Edge, video calls via Teams, zoom, Facetime with groups, even Whatsapp via browsers such as Chrome or Opera.

They'll run Office 2011 generally under £30 on the internet. They'll only officially run up to OS 10.14 (Mojave)  or 15 (Catalina) but I'd hesitate to suggest the latter as it'll stop tons of things from working, including Office 2011.

That's about the furthest back I'd go. Oh and maybe don't upgrade your iphone past iOS16 so it can still communicate with your macbook.