New Windows 10 user

Computer tech said:

Good Evening, I am a new WIndows 10 pro user and wondering if Windows Defender is all I really need for AV protection or should I really consider using something like Comodo Internet Security or another AV program. When I last used mainly windows computers back in the days of vista, I used Comodo Internet Security. the person I got my HP ProBook 6460 from says he is a computer tech.... not sure but he could be, I did the online certification for comp tia classes as well said windows defender is pretty much as good as any other AV program. I mainly use macs and have zero AV software on those machines so AV software is something I am not real familiar with except knowing that windows needs to use it.

Hi.
I would recommend a layered approach, especially since different type programs catch different things. Defender is pretty good, but adding Malwarebytes Antimalware Free, Malwarebytes Antiexploit, and SuperAnitSpyware Free would round out the protection. Malwarebytes Antimalware comes in both free and paid version: the paid version is "active" and works well with your AV, while the free version needs to be updated and run manually. Same with Superantispyware - free version has to be updated and run manually. The Malwarebytes Anitexploit free runs in the background and protects all your browsers, especially from zero-day exploits.

NavyLCDR said:

All you need is Windows Defender and common sense - know exactly what you are clicking on before you click on it - always select advance or custom install when installing a program and make sure you only install what you think you are installing - make sure the EULA you are agreeing to is for the actual program you want to install.

With all due respect, I disagree. I have seen Defender let things in and then clean (or try to clean) them off, whereas Malwarebytes Antimalware Paid version prevented them from getting in the system in the first place. And the Malwarebytes Antiexploit browser protection protects against zero-day browser exploits; regular AVs don't protect until the virus definitions are updated. One standard AV does not protect against everything out there, and let's face it, Windows is the main target of all OSs.

NavyLCDR said:

With all due respect, it was I who disagreed with you as your post #4 was before my post #5. Not that this subject has been beat to death before in several different threads in this forum...such as 43 pages (at least on my browser) here:
Is paying for antivirus a waste of money? - Windows 10 Forums

Well, considering the OP is a regular Mac user and a new Windows user, Defender + nothing else is not recommended in this case. :)

Defender is an Antivirus only, PUPs, spyware, keyloggers etc. need addressing with specific programs.

simrick said:

Well, considering the OP is a regular Mac user and a new Windows user, Defender + nothing else is not recommended in this case. :)

And I respectfully disagree. But that being said, the user takes my advice and runs only Windows built-in defender and gets a virus/malware - well then they have the consequences of that. The user takes your advice and runs extra malware/virus protection and it never gets used - well all they have wasted, hopefully (if they don't pay $$$ for it), is computer resources.