Do I actually need anti virus software like Mcafee?

Question

For years I have renewed my annual anti virus without really thinking. It's that time of year again and I'm wondering if I actually need it. My understanding is that anti virus software is not really needed anymore. Furthermore it can actually cause problems. Not to mention that I have to pay for...

Answer 1

You absolutely need an antivirus program.

That said, it's hard to find a more worthless piece of cr@p than Mcafee.

Fortunately there are many alternatives - and many of them are actually free.

I personally like Avast (avast.com) It's effective, and doesn't bog down your computer. Avast offers additional features if you want to upgrade to their paid version but the free version has been sufficient for me.

AVG is another free anti-virus scanner which also provides additional features if you upgrade to the paid version. Friends of mine have used the free version for years with no problems.

Malware Bytes started out as a free malware detection and removal program - which I suggest you also download. However it now offers a paid subscription version which includes an anti-virus scanner. I highly suggest you download Malware Bytes even if you don't use its anti-virus feature. It's very effective at detecting malware (which anti-virus programs don't detect) and if you do get infected, it can remove them.

Answer 2

I use avg

Answer 3

Yes your PC must have an antivirus software

Answer 4

no, u have others like Norton and Avg and more.
Man Mcafee sucks. I remember once a fella who works on Pc was saying that almost all computers that he worked on, had Mcafee and every one of them was wrapped up in virus and took forever for him to clean them, so I would stay away from that.

Answer 5

The coincidences I've seen in which people I knew allowed their internet security to expire and the problems they began to have later are troubling even if they don't demonstrate cause and effect.

I'm more of a Norton person regarding Windows, but I also use Linux.

Answer 6

If you run Windows then yes. That being said, Windows 10 has its own.

I run Linux and occasionally MacOS so I have no daily need. I run a scan about once every few weeks, but that is all. I have never been infected.

You can, use one of the free options, if you like. Most of them are as good as the commercial products.

Answer 7

AVG has served me well for years- free, and I tried Norton and McAfee and Avast. I like AVG the best and Avast the least. Norton costed too much and everytime it was coming due the computer would start effing up until after the renewal. Same antic for McAfee.Those two were very hard ro uninstall.

Answer 8

You absolutely need an AV software program. It does not have to be McAfee. McAfee is a very good program, but there are others just as good that are cheaper and some of the good ones are actually free.

I see more malware on computers these days than virus' so you really should install an anti-malware program also. Malwarebytes is the best on the market.

Summary: everyone should run an AV and AM program on their computer to be safe.

Answer 9

There are more viruses, worms, and other malware now than ever before. And the number just grows exponentially.

Use an anti-virus.

Answer 10

I have never used a paid AV. In over 25 years I can count on one hand the number of times I have had a problem.

You not only need AV, you need one that also provides anti-malware. Malware is a bigger problem today than viruses. If you have Win 10, it is already on your computer. Uninstall your present AV and Defender will be activated. Soon after it is activated, it will update.