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Shoud I use Windows Defender

If you had asked me that question five years ago the answer is probably not. It still had some way to go to be as user friendly as programs like Norton, Avast and McAfee to name a few of the major fee-based Antivirus programs. (AV programs). I personally dislike any AV or Antimalware that offers the first year at a reasonable price only to charge more everyyear after that. I would stay away from AV’s that offer free versions, which have serious restrictions from the paid versions. It can lead users into believing they are indeed protected when many of the features needed to ensure protections are not included in the free version.

Times have changed, and now Windows Defender’s built-in security softwware is equal to any free AV on the market. As a matter of fact, it also includes many of the features contained in paid versions. However, when compared to some of the more robust AVs it does lack some features that would help keep you safe. It is important to note however that this refers to only top-of-the-line versions of  Kaspersky , Webroot  or Bitdefender . The low-end versions regardless of what they want to name them, restrick the number of devices, offer less protections and features. In other words. If you really want to ensure you have the best protections get the high-end, high-priced versions of stick with Windows Defender. It covers an unlimited number of devices from phones, tablets and PCs. It offers a robust firewall and Smart screen feature for Edge.

The only considerations are if you use a different browser like Chrome or Firefox you must rely on them for internet security while browser. The added features in Edge to come into play when using them. Take the time to enact all the features hose browsers offer.

Understand What it Does.

Windows Defender is a full-time antivirus program built into Windows. It continually scans for malware, viruses, and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) in real time. It starts protecting you as soon as Windows starts.

When combined with Windows Firewall, the security measures in Edge and software obtained through the Microsoft Store it is very unlikely you will become infected unless you make an error in judgement.

Unfortunately, no Antivirus program can promise to keep you safe. While any of the paid versions and Windows Defender can and do prevent viruses from infecting you, none of them can prevent you from infecting you. The most common causes for infected viruses are invited by the end-user. YOU!

The Most Common Methods of Infections

1. Spam Emails: Hackers trick users into downloading malicious files by using email attachments. Once you click on an infected attachment you are unwittingly inviting the virus into your system. Hackers can make emails appear legitimate and make claims they are from Microsoft, Apple, your bank or insurance company. It is up to the end-user to ensure the email is real before clicking on any attachment. IF YOU DID NOT REQUEST SOMETHING, CONSIDER IT SUSPICIOUS.
   1. Once someone is infected by malware the malware can send bogus emails to everyone on their contact list. So always read your email carefully and don’t click on an attachment unless you know for sure it is for real.
2. Suspicious Websites: Visiting infected websites can expose your PC to malware. Avoid clicking on suspicious links within a website.
3. Free Software: Unfortunately, there is a lot of free software that comes bundled with malware. Always opt out of additional offers or toolbars.
4. Infected Drives: Never run someone else’s USB drive on your computer before scanning it for viruses or malware. By the way you should disable USB autorun on your PC so an infected USB does not automatically run and infect your PC before you have a chance to scan it.