What extra software do I need with Windows 10

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  1. Posts : 191
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
       #1

    What extra software do I need with Windows 10


    Hi,
    I'm a bit confused and using up lots of disk space (I only have 110GB) with extra software.
    I have ghostery, adblocker, avast free, cc cleaner, defraggler, reimage (paid for 1 year) and of course the inbuilt windows defender. And just uninstalled McAvee which was also running in the background!
    What should I get rid of?
    Thanks
    Lizzy
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #2

    Hi, @Lizzy:

    You ask a very common question with no one "right" or "best" answer.
    There are many, different, strong opinions about security software choices.
    Each user must, in the end, select the software that best suits that user's computer hardware/OS, computing practices, budget and other variables. Details here.

    If you have Avast for your AV, then you'll want to be sure to fully disable Windows Defender (WD).
    WD in Windows 8/8.1/10 is not the same as the WD in Win7 from which I think you recently upgraded.
    WD in Win10 is an anti-virus. Since you have Avast, it's important to disable WD, so that you will not end up with 2 AVs running in real-time. Otherwise, you could run into stability or performance issues.

    You may want to consider adding real-time anti-malware protection (e.g. with MBAM Premium), and/or real-time anti-exploit protection (e.g. with MBAE Free or Premium, or HitmanProAlert).

    For your browser security add-ons (extensions), you might want to consider adding something like NoScript Security Suite. And it's VERY important to keep plug-ins, such as Adobe Flash Player and "Java" up to date, as they can create security vulnerabilities. (Be sure to opt-out (un-tick) any bundled software freebies that may be offered during the installation process.)

    It's important to remember, however, that no security program or group of programs can protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time. The most effective computer security component is the one between the chair and the keyboard.:)

    I'm sure the other forum members will have additional/different suggestions.

    Cheers,

    MM
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 191
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi MM,
    Thanks for your reply. I was hoping to get rid of some stuff
    You recommend I should keep everything I have and add an anti-malware and no script security suite?
    Lizzy
      My Computer

  4.    #4

    It would help if you could take a screenshot of what is in your Programs and Features,
    then post it in your next reply.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 191
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Sorry, how do I do that?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    A large number of members here, including myself, run just fine with no extra "performance", "anti-malware", or "anti-virus" software installed. On the eleven computers in my house all that is installed is built-in Windows defender and I like to have CCleaner installed - but I would not say CCleaner is a necessity. On the eleven computers in my house - and four very non-technical users - I get maybe 1 malware infection per year on a computer, and that has always been cleaned with just a thorough disk cleaning with built-in Windows disk cleanup and CCleaner - sometimes in safe mode - because the malware usually was in temporary internet files.

    I have given a few basic instructions to the non-technically inclined users in my house:

    1. Don't click on any pop-up that says to optimize or clean the PC. Look for the little X in the upper right corner and if you are unsure about that then CTL-ALT-DEL to get to the task manager and kill the browser program from there.

    2. Make sure you know exactly what link you are clicking on. If unsure, hover over the link and look in the lower left corner to see if the URL looks legit.

    3. Never use express install on any program you are installing, and make sure the EULA you are accepting is for the actual program you want to install. Always pick custom install and make sure that crapware is not included in what you are agreeing to install and decline any EULA that is not for the specific program you want to install. Also when downloading a program to install from the internet make sure the link you are clicking is for the actual program itself and look for checkboxes on the same webpage to include crapware - like on the Adobe webpage when you install Acrobat Reader or flash.

    I've been asked to clean malware off of several friends computers before and I usually see a whole bunch of the programs in the categories of my first sentence installed. The first thing I do is uninstall all of those. Then I run a good disk cleanup and 90% of the time their malware problem is gone.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 191
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for recommendations.
    Lizzy
      My Computer

  8.    #8

    Lizzy said:
    Sorry, how do I do that?
    This tutorial will show you how. Use the option which is easiest for you.

    Screenshot - Take in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

    A screenshot of all your programs is what will be helpful.

    To find your programs, Right click on Start > at the top of the list will be Programs and Features >
    Left click on it and it will open to show all your Programs.


    This is what it will look like.


    What extra software do I need with Windows 10-programs.jpg
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #9

    Lizzy, This is your laptop, I believe... ASUS ZenBook UX31E | Notebooks | ASUS USA


    If so, you do not need defraggler because you have an SSD disk drive. Use the Windows built in defragmentation tool. The process is called Optimizing or Trimming.

    A basic good trio of software, for system and maintenance is:

    MalwareBytes (Free)
    Windows Defender (Built in)
    SuperAntiSpyware

    Avast will turn off Defender and not give you much more, if any, security than Defender.
    MalwareBytes is good to get rid of junkware that may creep onto your system.
    SuperAntiSpyware is good at cleaning up "Cookies" left behind by overambitious web sites!

    There are many variations of what software you could have, depending on our needs.

    Remember, do not run a regular defragmentation on a SSD drive. It will add lots of wear and tear.

    TC
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 191
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thank you, I'm learning a lot on this forum. Will get rid of defraggler straight away!
      My Computer


 

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