So, like, for years, I’ve been thinking that most peeps don’t really need those fancy third-party antivirus tools, ya know? I’ve been all like, “Hey, just use Microsoft’s Windows Security suite, it’s free and does the job.” I mean, I’ve been using it forever, and the last time I had a virus issue was way back in the Stone Age, or at least over a decade ago.
But then, I started looking around, and there’s this whole other universe out there where all these experts are like, “Nah, you gotta pay for antivirus software, man.” And it’s not just the companies selling the stuff, but even legit sites that review antivirus software are saying the same thing.
And, like, almost every laptop I’ve checked out for PCWorld has some trial version of antivirus software pre-installed, like McAfee or Norton. Those companies pay the PC makers to put their stuff on there, so it’s like, if no one’s buying, why bother, right?
So, I’ve been getting all these questions from readers and fam, and I was like, “Fine, I’ll do some digging.” Turns out, my hunch was mostly on point: most folks can get by with just Windows Security. But that doesn’t mean antivirus software is totally useless, ya dig? It’s like an extra layer of protection, just in case.
Some peeps on Reddit agree with me, and even this PCWorld writer Jon Martindale and SafetyDetectives website dude are on the same page.
The deal is, Windows Security is pretty good at catching viruses now. Like, it used to kinda suck, but it’s gotten way better. AV-TEST Institute even gives it top marks for protection, usability, and performance, beating the average in the industry.
But here’s the kicker: security ain’t centralized no more. You got all these other tools doing their part too:
– Web browsers can block sketchy sites on their own.
– They’ll warn you if you’re about to download something shady.
– Email providers scan attachments for viruses before you even see them.
– Spam filters keep those phishing emails out of your inbox.
– Windows’ SmartScreen filter gives you a heads up on unknown software.
So, antivirus is just one piece of the puzzle. For most folks, Windows Security is prob good enough.
But, like, why do some peeps swear by Malwarebytes as an extra layer of protection? It’s like having a second set of eyes on your computer, ya know? Last year, I ran a scan and found some iffy stuff tied to my Chrome, so I did a clean reinstall just in case.
But Malwarebytes isn’t perfect. It can be kinda pushy with upgrade promos, and if you don’t watch out, it’ll mess with Windows Security. I might still use it from time to time, but for now, I’m giving it a break.
Now, third-party antivirus software ain’t a total scam. Some peeps might need it for extra security features, like monitoring webcam use or spotting password breaches. Plus, some bundles offer cool extras like VPNs or cloud storage.
But, like, all those extras can bog down your system and might not even be the best tools for the job. I’d rather pick my own password manager or VPN, you know? Still, if you want an all-in-one solution, these suites got you covered.
So, like, back in the day, antivirus was crucial. But now, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. You gotta have strong passwords, backups, and a bit of common sense too. The experts seem to be cool with that, at least.
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Jared’s been writing about tech for over 15 years and is a regular at PCWorld, Fast Company, and TechHive. He’s all about helping peeps understand the tricky tech stuff, from streaming to nifty apps. Based in Cincy, he has a journalism degree from NYU.
