DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Do we need to purchase antivirus software?

10 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/do-we-need-to-purchase-antivirus-software.205668/

S
Shadowfax Original post #1
Mar 11, 2019 at 3:46 PM
I have been using Quick Heal Total Internet Security for about a year.

It is going to expire next week and asking me to renew. I loved Quick heal.

But in Windows 10, we have Windows Defender antivirus. So I don't know whether I shall renew Quick Heal or use Windows in built antivirus? What is the difference between them?

Is there point in purchasing antivirus program since Windows defender already offers protection from virus and malware.

Please give your views....

Thanks!
W
Mar 11, 2019 at 4:32 PM
It depends on your browsing habits,if you only browse usual sites & don't click on random ads then default win 10 protection is enough.Also you need to stick to downloading from safe sites & stay away from pirated softwares. If you do feel the need to install an AV then instead of paying for quick heal I would suggest using avira free version or pay for kaspersky(it now has a free version too,check kaspersky India site) or eset or bitdefender.
meetdilip
Mar 11, 2019 at 8:51 PM
Install Avast or buy Kaspersky. As far as I know, Avast works well. But spies too. I read a medical document on my PC and offered to encrypt it. It will show a few ads as well occasionally.
cute.bandar
Mar 11, 2019 at 9:36 PM
Nothing more than Defender is required.
Irrespective of which antivirus: Don't download pirated stuff, keep windows update on. Be super careful with pen drives that come from noobs computers
meetdilip
Mar 12, 2019 at 10:54 AM
If you keep pirated software away and have safe browsing habits, that is more than enough. Use open source alternatives. But sadly, this doesn't work for most people. Especially when they try out games. There is no use to have an antivirus and then install a pirated software at the same time.
Zangetsu
Mar 12, 2019 at 2:11 PM
Alertness is useful while browsing and installing, but one cannot be alert all the times and there are many varieties of Viruses (Adware, Ransomeware, Root-Kit etc).
So, you definitely need a good AV protection be it paid or free.
checkout the features supported by the AV before installing.
Avira, Avast are good AV
W
Mar 12, 2019 at 2:54 PM
^^Microsoft win 10 protection is now good enough to completely ditch AV(assuming you keep it updated & enabled).
upload_2019-3-12_14-54-15.png
B
Mar 12, 2019 at 3:51 PM
Switched from KAV to MSE/WD years back and it is more than enough. No need to spend money on av's anymore.
Gollum
Gollum #9
Mar 13, 2019 at 8:00 AM
I keep windows updates disabled and so I keep a basic free antivirus like Aivra which is not heavy on the unit like McAfee or Trend Micro.
L
Mar 13, 2019 at 4:22 PM
No, the free ones are good enough. Actually, I removed anti-virus from old PC, which slows download performance especially boot time.