Antivirus and internet security question

[ikonix360]

What is the best free or real low cost antivirus and internet security program?

I've used Norton for years, but I've seen it get more expensive and do less so it's time to ditch it.

 

[tehnokraat]

What is the best free or real low cost antivirus and internet security program?
.....

Windows' own is the only one you may, but don't have to, use. The cheapest is not to use any third party junk, none of them do nothing to protect anyone. Maybe 20 years ago some did something, but now even their used metods are useles and none of them can't protect nothing.
It's simply not possible.
But I'm absolutely sure that now you'll start getting all sorts of suggestions and explanations, how good and necessary they all and still are.
Decide for yourself, the only thing that really protects you is what's between your computer and the back of your chair.
Good luck to you.

 

[ikonix360]

Yup I'm sure I'll get all kinds of suggestions for sure.

 

[pete.i]

I'm with technokratt on this. I didn't jump in originally because there will be all sorts of posters saying that Windows Defender is rubbish. Well in many many tests on the web Windows defender usually comes out tops. I used to pay for antivirus and anti malware but I haven't done so for a lot of years. None are prticularly good and some are downright dangerous and they are all expensive.

 

[ikonix360]

Windows defender it is then.

That might be one of the better things Microsoft has actually done.

I've seen the decline of Norton over the years.

Started off real good with Norton 360 doing many things and over time they reduced what it does and made some of the things it used to do separate paid features.

Also it constantly identifies outdated drivers with them wanting you to pay for a driver updater, however whenever I go to the motherboard's website I have all the current drivers they have released for my motherboard.

 

[pete.i]

Also be aware that no antivirus or anti malware is 100% effective and that includes Windows Defender. The virus writers are always ten steps ahead of the virus killers.

 

[ikonix360]

Agreed. I ditched Norton yesterday.

As long as I had Norton the only things that ever slipped through were two instances on a Windows XP machine that merely changed some of the desktop icons.

 

[Joe C]

Checking reviews does not hurt to help you decide also. Windows antivirus is listed the the reviews too
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-july-october-2024/
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/mobile-devices/

 

[ikonix360]

From that webpage

Since November 2022, the Norton brand is owned by GenDigital.

Looking at the data from when Symantec owned Norton, it was better back then and I never knew they switched owners.