Virus Protection on your PC
 

I know there's folks here that are way ahead of me in the computer world. A query... what virus protection do you use, and why?

I've used Symantec, currently Norton 360, but in the last year or so they've become worse at throwing their ads in my face and trying to get me to subscribe to LifeLock. I'm getting really tired of it. One of the things I do like about it is their password vault. Can't stand their "safe search."

Go for it...

Norton is a intrusive piece of software...even when you're not a subscriber, it keeps nagging...and it removes files without any question to the user...it seems it's the real owner of the machine.

I use free software like Avast, AVG, Malwarebytes...I use simultaneously two free anti-virus complemented with anti malware and adware removal software (both also free). When I make a scan, I scan with them all once.

Welll... it's not really that hard to switch to Linux. The two main purposes of Windows and Macintosh operating systems are selling your personal information and showing you ads.

Vipre Advanced Security

I use Kaspersky total security. 10 years ago I switched from Symantec to Kaspersky and I am very satisfied.

Very rarely do I use Windows, just for TurboTax and specialty scanning software (thousands of slides).

I have used Ubuntu, which is a version of Linux, since 2004. Due to the differences in the details related to the way Linux and Windows were developed, you will not get 99.9% of Windows viruses on Ubuntu. So, I do not have any virus protection for Ubuntu. Ubuntu keeps the operating system very up to date to prevent Linux related viruses.

I also run dual boot, which means I can boot into either Windows or Ubuntu.

The Ubuntu installation will help you with whatever process you choose. There are TONS of videos and documentation available about Ubuntu and the significant amount of free software available.

Before I became a Linux user, I used the same that rbarata mentioned with great results. Malwarebytes and AVG together get the job done. I have never had an issue since changing OS to Linux.

A lot of people also like Mint Linux.

I use free Avast, free version Antispyware and Malware.
I usually run them all one after the other in various formations.
They all have a little advertising with Avast being the most persistant, saying stuff like your computer has x number of programs that need x y z etc, then if you click you get taken to a page where they tell you how much its going to cost. I just close the page.
But for the free protection I get, I can live with that amount of product push.

I don't use Linux because I work with several music editing software, and from the vast majority of solutions available, only around 30% are running in Linux.

Thanks for the advice so far. I'm very grateful. :bowing

I will check into the things y'all have said. It's all just a lot for me to comprehend... I grew up and got old with IT folks doing it all for me. Changing operating systems may sound simple... but it's really not that simple for me. I may have bitten off more than I can chew, just by asking the question. :blushing:

Audacity isn't enough?

Now you have me curious. Which music editors and what are you doing with them? Being a musician myself, I am always interested in what others are doing.

Audacity, specifically, as it is designed to work mainly with audio files/tracks can't use virtual instruments, only effects. By other words, you can't edit directly any MIDI or musical score.

It depends...for score composition or editing I tried Sibelius a few years ago but now I use Musescore or Finale.
For MIDI editing and production tasks I now am using Reaper or Sequoia (which I'm still at the early learning stages).
I study music theory by myself and played for almost 20 years in bands as a drummer. As life imposed me its own rules (family/kids/work/etc) I stopped playing in bands. Now I still play, but alone at home and make my recordings and musical experiences with the aid of computers (DAW's).

Well, now you gotta post some tracks!

See! Knew there were tech geeks hiding out here. :rofl:

I’m surprised nobody suggested just getting a Mac. :evil:

It's the same personal data sales and incessant advertising with Apple. For a lot more money.

I recently acquired an older laptop loaded with Windoze 10. I wiped the hard drive clean and installed the latest version of Linux Mint. After doing all the updates (Linux never does automatic updates), I have a top notch computer with virtually no hassles and no virus issues. No more messing with antivirus software. It even includes privacy for internet browsing. And best of all, Linux is FREE! ALWAYS!!