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Antivirus help

Options
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
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Comments

  • Olinda99
    Olinda99 Posts: 2,042 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 25 April at 5:23PM
    Agree - just use the inbuilt Windows one
  • TadleyBaggie
    TadleyBaggie Posts: 6,600 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Well....the OP hasn't actually said it is a Windows computer....
  • Eyeful
    Eyeful Posts: 935 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 25 April at 6:45PM
    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
    flaneurs_lobster Posts: 6,420 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    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?
    thebrains? Posts: 19 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
  • Eyeful
    Eyeful Posts: 935 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    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.

  • Eyeful
    Eyeful Posts: 935 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 25 April at 11:34PM
    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/

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