topic Re: I need some information in Electronics

I need some information

glb613 — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 19:39:12 GMT

After 6 years of using only Apple devices, I bought a used Windows 7 notebook computer. Why? Well, there are some old games I'd like to play which are not compatible with the OS versions I have on my Apple computers. These games are old and not compatible with an operating system newer than Windows 7. My question is, what is the best free antivirus software? I have a lifetime code number for Malwarebytes I should be able to use for malware. I don't plan on using the computer much but I will be online line to download games.

I also ran into some serious compatibility issues while working on a project where everyone was using Microsoft Office except me. I might have an occasion to use Office on it. I hope I can find my Office software. If not, there are free suites I can use. Thanks and I'm sure it will feel like I'm starting from scratch.

Re: I need some information

Alison Wonderland — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 19:51:18 GMT

AVG and Avast are both good. One of those and Malwarebytes and you should be covered.

Re: I need some information

Lilysmom — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 19:59:20 GMT

@glb613, another vote for AVG. LM

Re: I need some information

SilleeMee — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 22:31:17 GMT

What about downloading the antivirus software that usually comes as an option from your isp? There will be no extra charge for loading it since you pay for the service anyway.

Re: I need some information

glb613 — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 22:49:56 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
What about downloading the antivirus software that usually comes as an option from your isp? There will be no extra charge for loading it since you pay for the service anyway.

I've never checked to see what, if anything, comes with mine. I'll look and see if it's something I want. I've had McAfee and Norton in the past and don't want either one now.

Re: I need some information

gardenman — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 01:40:30 GMT

Windows own antivirus is pretty decent these days. It should already be on your computer and should be adequate as long as you're using reasonable safe searching practices.

Re: I need some information

glb613 — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 10:07:38 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
Windows own antivirus is pretty decent these days. It should already be on your computer and should be adequate as long as you're using reasonable safe searching practices.

I don't think Windows 7 comes with it's own antivirus but, I'll look. BTW, trying to download programs for Windows on a Mac is not easy. The sites automatically try to direct me to the OS version of a program. Thanks everyone.

Re: I need some information

gardenman — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 12:03:04 GMT

@glb613 wrote:
@gardenman wrote:
Windows own antivirus is pretty decent these days. It should already be on your computer and should be adequate as long as you're using reasonable safe searching practices.
I don't think Windows 7 comes with it's own antivirus but, I'll look. BTW, trying to download programs for Windows on a Mac is not easy. The sites automatically try to direct me to the OS version of a program. Thanks everyone.

It should have Windows Defender built in and possibly Windows Security Essentials also. You should still be able to download Windows Security Essentials for free if your PC doesn't already have it. Later versions of Windows 7 included Security Essentials, but some of the earlier versions didn't.

Re: I need some information

glb613 — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 13:12:22 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
@glb613 wrote:
@gardenman wrote:
Windows own antivirus is pretty decent these days. It should already be on your computer and should be adequate as long as you're using reasonable safe searching practices.
I don't think Windows 7 comes with it's own antivirus but, I'll look. BTW, trying to download programs for Windows on a Mac is not easy. The sites automatically try to direct me to the OS version of a program. Thanks everyone.
It should have Windows Defender built in and possibly Windows Security Essentials also. You should still be able to download Windows Security Essentials for free if your PC doesn't already have it. Later versions of Windows 7 included Security Essentials, but some of the earlier versions didn't.

I'll check it out. I really believe I've forgotten everything I knew about Windows.

Re: I need some information

Lilysmom — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 10:16:13 GMT

@glb613, since I bought the MacBook Pro, I haven’t used Windows much either. I fixed an issue on my brothers Windows computer but it took me longer than it should have. Happy gaming. LM

Re: I need some information

chickenbutt — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 21:31:03 GMT

My experience with Defender has been that, before Win10, it wasn't an actual anti-virus software. Then, with Win10 they turned into an anti-virus program.

I had found that out when one time, several years ago, I decided to try using it as an a/v on one of my older laptops and the computer warned me that I had no a/v installed. It performed entirely differently prior to Win10. I had to install another program that was fully a/v.

I'm with you in that I wouldn't use McAfee or Norton even for free at this point. McAfee was never good. Norton used to be but it went bad, IMO, quite a few years ago.

Re: I need some information

gardenman — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 22:04:57 GMT

@chickenbutt

Yeah, the Windows Security Essentials I mentioned in my post is the antivirus/firewall program that needs to be added to Defender for more complete protection on older computers.

Re: I need some information

chickenbutt — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:40:37 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
@chickenbutt

Yeah, the Windows Security Essentials I mentioned in my post is the antivirus/firewall program that needs to be added to Defender for more complete protection on older computers.

Thank You for that info! I'm sorry I didn't pay better attention to what you said because I always enjoy your intelligent, informational posts.

Re: I need some information

Deree — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 00:59:29 GMT

Oh yes I have a 6 year old laptop with Windows 7 that came with Microsoft Security Essentials loaded for free for antivirus and I also use Malwarebytes Free for malware.