Computer Updates

I'm a long time user of Norton and swear by it. There are countless cheaper ones, even free ones, but when it comes to Security, IMHO it's down to Symantec (Norton) or McAfee.

A lot depends on what devices you have, or if you only want a single subscription. eg Norton Security Deluxe will protect up to 5 PC's, Macs, Tablets and Smartphones (yep you can secure your phone). Currently they are offering that at £30 for 1 year, which is peanuts for security piece of mind.

Windows Defender used to be a free malware scanner which has now become a full antivirus solution. Microsoft are obviously peddling it as the defacto choice for Windows. Personally, Microsoft are new to the party when it comes to full antivirus, and it may be very good, or it may be mediocre, only time will tell. Where as the likes of Norton are long term security experts who built the AV industry.

Whatever you do, don't use a freebie one!

Steve

Thanks for your advice.  Your comments match those of third party assessment I looked at online.  Apparently, Defender is good at some things but not so good at others.  I did manage to switch off the Defender alerts yesterday.

I'll stick with Norton.  I don't renew at first notification, holding out for any "loyalty" offers.....

The only thing with Norton is that it is bloat ware and slows down your PC ...Well it was a few years ago

Found and resolved another problem with recent W10 update.  I played a YouTube video with what I thought was the soundtrack for it.  Then opened another video with its soundtrack and had previous soundtrack playing over the top.  Resolved by switching something in settings from on to off.

Also, received an e-mail from Acxiom a few days ago.  Apparently they are acting on behalf of TV Licensing in persuading customers to switch from paper to e-mail licences.  Thought it was a good idea so clicked the relevant button.  Got a full screen message from Norton saying the site was dangerous and should not be accessed.  Tried to amend details through another button and got same message.  Looks like I'm staying with paper TV licence.....

I just wish all these companies would ask the users if they would like to update their computers, rather than just doing it automatically. Apple have also done it on the iPad and I now have a display that wasn't there before which needs to be swiped twice before opening up the main screen...

Yeah I know the feeling I iphone has changed from swipe to pressing home button ,taken me a few weeks to get used to it

Learned something interesting over the weekend from a tech person.  Another way of stealing your identity is to hack into your computer, activate the camera and watch you type in username and password.  Suggestion was made to cover camera with blue tac.

Thing is with the camera if it is in use there is always a light on of sorts so you can see it being used ....Maybe I am wrong though