System Cleanup Series: Antivirus
In this blog post, I will talk about which antivirus programs I use and recommend. This post is part of my System Cleanup series.
This blog post is part of my System Cleanup series. I aim to be as transparent as possible about my process during the work I'll do on your computer, either remotely or in my home office. My process is much more thorough than many other places. I cannot cover everything during the initial 15-minute Zoom or phone call.
Otherwise, I strongly recommend any products from ESET, which I have used and trusted for nearly 20 years. However, paid antivirus products will get in your way if not correctly configured, so have a professional like myself take care of that for you ($15 per 15 minutes).
Windows 10 and 11 include a free and effective antivirus solution. Unless you clearly need something more comprehensive and powerful, I recommend sticking with that (Windows Defender, aka Virus and Threat Protection).
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I have tried free and paid versions of many antivirus programs over the years. Around 2008, I became a huge fan of ESET Internet Security (formerly Smart Security), and their other products like ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Lightweight and very functional, ESET simply works well. Over the years, I have recommended and installed it on many client computers. You may ask yourself, "That sounds great, so what changed?”
Recently, they've become overzealous, including introducing features that cause frustration, particularly regarding the firewall.
A modern, correctly updated computer running stable operating systems like Windows 10 and 11, which have a built-in firewall and antivirus protection, referred to as Virus and Threat Protection, is often all the average user needs.
So, I don't recommend ESET or any other third-party antivirus or security software unless there are specific reasons to do so.
If a computer is found to be infected, it CANNOT be cleaned and continue to be trusted in that compromised state. I don't care what the marketers, antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware companies, or local computer shops tell you.
The system NEEDS to be isolated. Unplug it from the internet, back it up if necessary, do a Windows reset, or do a clean install of Windows. Reconnect the internet when complete.
Don't believe BS that the system can be cleaned and left in production.
Even antivirus software can only be trusted to PREVENT infections, but nothing is perfect against what can be sophisticated viruses.
Once infected, it is COMPROMISED and CANNOT be trusted while in that state.
Table of Contents
- How To Change Sleep and Hibernation Settings in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: Antivirus
- System Cleanup Series: CCleaner
- System Cleanup Series: Advanced System Care
- System Cleanup Series: How To Use PatchMyPC to Keep Your Programs Up to Date
- System Cleanup Series: Startup Items in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: Windows Update in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: A Guide On How To Use Driver Booster
- System Cleanup Series: Removing Malware and Spyware
- System Cleanup Series: Uninstall (Remove) Apps and Programs in Windows 10
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