Antivirus help

thebrains?

I bought a computer but I haven't had a computer for years, what should I do about antivirus etc, I'm just so overwhelmed with the options and don't really know what the difference is with each one or what I need. It's for surfing the web, my Google photos emails, buying things online etc etc. When I looked last McAfee seemed to have quite a few to choose from and I didn't really get what the difference was other than some being for more than one device.

Thank you

Zinger549

Windows has inbuilt Antivirus so you don't need to use and external app.

Olinda99

Agree - just use the inbuilt Windows one

TadleyBaggie

Well....the OP hasn't actually said it is a Windows computer....

Eyeful

You really need to state what operating system your computer is using if you are asking for guidance.

If it is a:

1. Chromebook: It does not need any security software.

2. Windows operating system computer.
Switching on (if its not already turned on) the security software that now comes with all Windows computers.
Windows Defender security software, comes with top marks from the independent testing companies. This is all you need to do.
I have been using it for over 7 years.

You do not need to pay for any security software nowadays unless it makes you feel more secure

If you do want to pay for security software then try: 
https://www.malwarebytes.com/

3.  Apple Macs come with their own security software protection.

flaneurs_lobster

Eyeful said:

If you do want to pay for security software then try: 
https://www.malwarebytes.com/

There's a free version of this, main difference is that you have to run scans manually.

thebrains?

Thank you everyone and sorry for not being more specific, it's windows but the full version antivirus was not included, it came with a month's free trial as far as I remember which is now up. 

It was purchased from curry's if that makes any difference

p00hsticks

thebrains? said:

Thank you everyone and sorry for not being more specific, it's windows but the full version antivirus was not included, it came with a month's free trial as far as I remember which is now up. 

It was purchased from curry's if that makes any difference

as others have said, Windows comes with it's own free built in ant-virus software, Windows Defender. Chances are your computer was loaded with a trial version of something like AVG or Norton. In your shoes I'd uninstall this and just make sure that Windows Defender was switched on. 

Eyeful

flaneurs_lobster said:

Eyeful said:

If you do want to pay for security software then try: 
https://www.malwarebytes.com/

There's a free version of this, main difference is that you have to run scans manually.

Yes I know.
I run the free version as a 2nd opinion security software myself. 
If he wants to pay for security software then Malwarebytes, I believe is a sound choice.

Vitor

Remove all the bloatware on devices supplied by Currys

Eyeful

thebrains? said:

Thank you everyone and sorry for not being more specific, it's windows but the full version antivirus was not included, it came with a month's free trial as far as I remember which is now up. 

It was purchased from curry's if that makes any difference

1. Windows Security is on your new computer.
Type Windows Security into the small bottom left search bar. 
Click on the "Best Match" box, you will get the Windows Security screen open up.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/february-2025/microsoft-defender-antivirus-consumer-4.18-251114/

2. If you want to stop using MacAfee software
As you have already installed the McAfee & run that program, I read you may find McAfee does not want to uninstall from your computer.
You may have to use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool (MCPR) if the standard  uninstall fails or leaves McAfee remnants.
Search on YouTube: " How to remove McAfee software with the MCPR tool". That will show you how. 

3. May be of interest to you.
 https://www.av-test.org/en/