I would recommend only resident antimalware for malware one expects to encounter as each one will impact performance to a degree. Other programs that are not resident and are not active all the time are all welcome to use at some time intervals to check system's health.
I have downloaded and installed malware bytes free and plan on scanning the system once or twice a month. when I had Windows vista I used Comodo Internet Security and never had a problem, however people have told me that windows 10 is as secure as mac so wasn't sure if I needed to use anything besides what is built into the OS
Nothing to add to this discussion, just my two Euro cents.
Since Microsoft Security Essentials was published a month before Windows 7 back in 2009 I have never used anything else than MSE in Windows 7 and Defender in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. My computer / Windows usage is extensive, yet I have never had any malware / PUP issues, apart of two or three occasions when my own stupidity has caused an issue (downloaded something from these "GiveAway" sites as recommended by friends or co-workers). Restoring system to a restore point has taken care of those issues.
Preparing for angry counter arguments and comments I would like to state that the following is my personal and subjective opinion. It is not a suggestion, nor a recommendation:
You really do not need any other protection in Windows 10 computers than Windows native Defender, Windows Firewall, a firewall on your router and common sense. This is based on you remembering the following:
- Never click any links in unsolicited email messages
- Never open any sent files or email attachments from unknown sources
- Be careful even with sent files from people you know
- Never download anything from any of multiple GiveAway sites
- Forget torrents. Sad truth is that most of them are used for illegal file sharing; you can't trust that someone already breaking the law by sharing intellectual property illegally have not hidden a surprise or two in your "nice and free" game or CD rip
- Don't surf on suspicious sites; I promise you that when you mates share a link on Facebook which tells that by only clicking the link you have already won a new iPad, that's not true
A bit off topic I might also add that I have not used any registry cleaners and Windows tweakers since I moved from XP to Vista in 2006. Not a single time. Windows is totally capable to take care of itself, be it protecting against malware or keeping registry OK.
Kari
I left windows when vista came out, the brand new laptop I bought that had windows vista on it was nothing more than a hot mess. went to mac and still primarily use mac at home. I have a MacBook and a recentally purchased hp probook I use the probook for mostly weather programs since I am a storm chaser. so far I am liking windows 10 pro. just want to keep it from becoming a hot mess like vista was. planning on using my MacBook mostly at home now since in my area apple laptops grow legs and walk away from their tables when getting a coffee refill or using the washroom
Good post, Kari.
Computer Tech, the problem with Vista was that MS didn't tell people that it was designed to run on dual-core processors. During the height of the Vista horror, some company produced the first laptop designed from the ground up for Vista, and it ran great. Yet it was a low-budget laptop. The secret-- It had a dual-core chip.
Windows 7 was already thriving when an astonishing revelation came out: Vista is better than XP, if you have a machine powerful enough to run it. But that same machine would run 7 even better.
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