I'm paying an annual and monthly fee for Norton protection. Does anyone else have it on their PC?

[Fla Dem]

Do I really need it? I'm not sure. I keep nothing of value on my PC, everything of any importance I keep on external hard drives which I disconnect when not using the PC. Need your advice and thoughts.

Thanks Much!

Also posting in DU Lounge

[hlthe2b]

1. I pay an annual fee. I do not pay a monthly fee, but I don't use lifelock or their cloud services.

[Joinfortmill]

2. You need something.

Check if your internet provider offers protection. Norton has a good reputation.

[Skittles]

3. you do need SOME kind of virus / malware protection

I can't advise on whether or not Norton is the best fit for you.....I'm betting others can.

[marble falls]

4. I always thought Norton was a good service and priced reasonably. Virus protection is ...

a necessity.

[Fla Dem]

9. Thank you.

[Cattledog]

5. Norton's a waste of money.

Microsoft Windows Defender is built into Windows 10. It's free and very good.

[Fla Dem]

6. I didn't know that. I have Windows 10.

Thank you.

[katmondoo]

10. I had Norton and was hacked, badly hacked. What they did was turn Norton off then

proceeded to find my email and change all of my accounts. It was so bad I got a new computer and changed all my passwords and the server. Now I use Microsoft Edge for security. It is free with windows 10.

[Salviati]

7. From what I understand...

If you're a reasonably careful person, then you may not need any extra antivirus protection beyond what is included in Windows these days. Windows Defender has markedly improved since it's introduction, and is generally well thought of.

3rd party programs may offer a bit more protections from some things, and may have additional features that you want, but the built in protection is pretty good these days.

https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/is-windows-defender-good-enough-to-protect-your-pc-by-itself

[Fla Dem]

8. Thanks, interesting article.

[IbogaProject]

11. windows defender and Malwarebytes free

Use the included windows defender and add Malwarebytes free. Do a Malwarebytes scan from time to time to find and remove malware, and malvertising junk.

[Tetrachloride]

12. 1. Ask a local pro or skilled neighborhood geek to install a decent "hosts" file

2. Get the web browser Epic. stuff which comes in via advertising is an issue

3. make sure “remote images” do not load in mail and if possible instant messages

4. if your junk filters in email are not effective, it might be worthwhile, yet a bit painful, to get a new email account. this will definitely want a second pair of eyes for most people.

5. make sure firewalls are on

there are more advanced processes available but i am mainly not a Windows person

[janterry]

13. First thing I remove whenever I buy a computer

waste of money. I use free protection and have never had a problem.