Microsoft Security vs. Others for $$$

[EPAIII]

I have had the Norton security package for several years now. In spite of having fiber service, my computer takes too long to load pages. I mean, with fiber, they should jump on my screen, shouldn't they.

In addition, I am fed up with the constant barrage to buy additional Norton features. Over and over messages pop up urging me to buy this and that add-on.

Do I really need anything other than what is provided for free with Windows? And if I do, are there versions available that do not have constant pop-ups? If I don't, how do I turn on all the Windows protections?

[Halcyon]

For home users, Windows Defender actually does a pretty decent job and would be perfectly fine alone, for many users.

If you do want a different anti-virus tool, I personally like ESET. They have a decent product. Bitdefender is also good. It just depends on what features you want. At that consumer level, they all pretty much do the same thing.

[Psi]

Norton security package is bloatware and adware combined.
There are zero reasons to use it.

If that thing has touched a windows install I always nuke it and start again because it is impossible to remove. It has too many hooks deep into windows that impact performance.

The Windows Defender that comes free with windows is great.
Combine that with using the virustotal.com website to scan any exe files you download before running them and you are sorted.
 

[rsjsouza]

One more vote for ESET. They leave you alone and have a reasonable level of alerts.

I also installed it on my mother's and mother-in-law's computers since it helps me deflect several simple questions and attempts to sell more stuff.

[amwales]

Another vote for eset here, non-intrusive the package I have includes a firewall and been using it for many years without complaints.