Electronics

[LAllyR]

I've been reading past threads on free anti-virus programs that have been recommended and have come up with a plan but have a few questions before I start. I have 2 computers to protect .... my Dell laptop that came with 3 yrs of McAfee which expires in a few days & I don't want to renew & my new Lenovo desktop.

I've decided to go with Microsoft Security Essentials (free) & Malwarebytes (probably will buy the full lifelong protection one so it will run automatically) & ??? CCleaner.

1. Someone said that in Win8 the MSE was already loaded as Windows Defender. Is this the exact same program as the free MSE or should I remove Defender & download MSE? If so, do I just use Add/Remove programs?

2. I need to COMPLETELY remove McAfee from my laptop & have a link given to me from them (McAfee) that will completely remove everything. However, I did that with my old desktop but still get the warnings that pop up saying my McAfee needs to be renewed. It must not have removed everything! Any ideas on how to get everything removed?

3. As for Malwarebytes ... If I go with the free version, I've seen in some posts NOT to download from CNET due to some problems and to use malwarebytes.org but going there & clicking on free download brings me to CNET anyway so what to do??? I suppose just buying the Pro version for approx $25 would bypass this problem. Also ... is the purchased version good for more than one computer (desktop & laptop)?

4. What is CCleaner and is it necessary?

ANY OTHER pointers that I need to know before getting started? I really appreciate the help here as I really don't know enough about all of these computer details. Thanks in advance!