Unlike in past decades, today, PCs aren’t so virus-ridden. However, it would help if you still had extra protection against viruses. There are many terrible people in the computer world creating malicious programs. 

They intend to create havoc or steal some information. In modern computing, data sharing across the internet happens daily. 

You’ll have to verify from different websites during the data transfer process. You’ll surely come across some fake websites and apps that look real with various download links. 

Most of them are usually after your personal information and login details. For protection against such people, you’ll need an antivirus. 

Luckily windows PCs come with antiviruses known as a defender. With the built-in antivirus protection, people usually question whether the third-party antivirus is necessary. Leading us to the question. 

Do You Need Antivirus for Windows 10?

Suppose you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 10 or want to. Well, technically, you don’t need an antivirus for windows 10. Windows 10 comes with a built-in windows defender antivirus that’s legitimate. 

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Window Defender/ Microsoft Defender Antivirus

The windows defender provides real-time protection against various things such as viruses, spyware, and malware. 

The antivirus will carry out comprehensive scans on users’ apps, cloud, internet browser, and email for any threats. 

However, the window defender doesn’t have endpoint response and protection. It also lacks remediation and automated investigation. 

Therefore you’ll need more antivirus software; you can either use third-party antivirus software of Microsoft Defender for the endpoint. 

Windows Defender vs. Third-Party Antiviruses 

The antivirus software comes with unique features, which means their performances vary. Recent comparison studies inform on how ineffective windows defender is. 

As a Windows 10 user, you need to check them out before finally settling on the antivirus as your default option. From the studies, windows defender falls behind in performance, usability, and protection. 

It also lacks consumer-friendly features available in other antiviruses like a built-in VPN and password manager. Here is more information on the claims and will help you know how perfectly window defender works. 

Performance

It’s one of windows defender’s common criticism. Many studies claim that windows defender significantly slows down windows. However, all antiviruses will slow down the PC a little. 

Scanning all bits of information running in your computer processor will need some computing power. 

Using an inefficient or bulky antivirus package, you’ll experience sluggish software launches, slow loading websites, etc. 

From different tests, the Windows defender score is below the industry average. It has a score of 4.5 out of 6.0. Your programs will be slower when using windows defender from home. 

It will also slow down your employees if you own a business. Outdated computers plus burdensome antivirus will reduce workers’ productivity and revenue. 

False Positives 

During the scanning process, there is a chance that an antivirus can mistakenly flag some websites and files as dangerous. 

False positives are usually annoying since they deny you access to safe websites or will stop you from installing legitimate software. 

Overall this issue is distracting and will slow down performance. From tests, windows defender has high false-positive rate than other third-party antiviruses. Windows defender struggles when it comes to flagging legitimate software as malware. 

Its false detection rate for secure software is higher than average. Many users try to prevent this issue by lowering windows defender protection. It leaves the PCs more vulnerable to actual virus attacks in the long run.

The Issue With Standard Antivirus Protection 

Lovers of Windows 10 and defender point out that the antivirus comes standard with windows 10. It means they won’t have to download additional software for their PC. 

From a usability perspective, pre-installed standard software offers convenience. However, it leaves your PC vulnerable to attack. Many cyber thieves usually target windows defenders. 

The antivirus is in almost all computers, and its functionality is similar in each computer. Therefore they have learned how it works and knows their way around it. 

Hackers design tricky malware that Windows defenders can’t detect. Third-party antiviruses have a unique approach to detecting and eliminating viruses. Hackers find it difficult to predict these antiviruses. 

You’ll surely need the best antivirus to protect yourself and your family. Some prefer Windows defender depending on their specific needs and convenience. 

Alternatives To Windows Defender 

All PCs need the best antiviruses to protect them from viruses. The windows defender is adequate but not enough for total PC protection. Windows Defender can’t match extra features from paid-for antivirus software versions. 

Many premium and medium-range antiviruses have unique features like password managers, parental controls, VPN, etc. The features are all in one and are more affordable than buying each differently. 

All antivirus brands share the same malware detection engine but usually vary according to features that determine their prices. Many antiviruses usually have three plans: basic plan, midrange plan, and premium plan. 

The premium plans usually include all the fantastic features. Here are some of the best alternatives to windows defender. 

1. Norton 360 Deluxe

It has fantastic products that offer excellent protection. The features vary according to plans. Its features include password managers that function well with all major platforms. 

There’s parental control, unlimited VPN, 50GB of online storage, etc. Premium and Platinum plans offer more online storage space and VPN cover to 10 and 20 devices. The plans are well-priced, and you’ll get value for your money.

2. Bit Defender Antivirus Plus 

It’s another top choice among entry-level antiviruses in the market. Its malware detection score is good but not perfect. 

Bit Defender offers more value with features like a Wi-Fi network scanner, password manager (unlimited), file shredder, etc. It has some of the pricier antivirus packages. 

The midrange plan has additional features like webcam protection, parental control. If you upgrade the plan, you’ll get the anti-theft feature, unlimited VPN usage, etc. 

3. Kaspersky Total Security

The malware detection score of Kaspersky antivirus is excellent, and its system performance is light. It has various plans, and all have unique features. 

Webcam protection, anti-theft protection, file shredder, VPN, and unlimited password manager. It’s one of the best and most popular antiviruses today. 

4. McAfee Internet Security

The antivirus has had significant improvements in past years but is still not perfect. Like other antivirus software McAfee has various plans with different pricing. 

You can check out the pricing for their website. The best features include password manager, parental control, file shredder, unlimited VPN, etc. For hardcore gamers, there’s McAfee gamer security. 

5. Trend Micro Maximum Security

The protection score of the antivirus is tremendous, but it causes heavy system load during scans. Amazingly its score for false-positive is fair and better than windows. 

It has different plans at different prices. You’ll enjoy several features such as parental controls, password manager, VPN, dark-web monitoring, etc.

How To Tell If Your PC Is Infected With Computer Viruses 

What Is a Computer Virus?

It’s a self-spreading like a biological virus; the difference is that a computer virus is a piece of software. A virus will disrupt a computer’s normal functioning, steal data, and damage software. 

The creation of the first computer virus was in 1971. Developers were testing whether computer software can self-replicate. They got inspiration from nature (biological virus). 

Like biological viruses, a computer virus will appear uninvited or invited and starts to self-reproduce.

If you don’t discover and prevent it, be sure to get a lot of damage. Computer viruses can move from computer to computer through files and programs.

1. Computer Speed  

It’s the traditional and primary sign of a computer virus. You’ll notice that your computer has suddenly become less responsive than usual. After a computer reboot, the malicious software starts functioning, using your system resources. 

You can check the system resource from applications like a windows task manager. It’ll show that a higher percentage of your computer’s processor is in use even though you are running fewer applications. 

2. Weird Behavior

The behavior of the virus usually depends on the hacker’s creativity. For example, the Ika-Tako virus will replace all your computer’s documents, programs, and files with cuddly squid’s pictures. 

Elk-Cloner virus, on the other hand, will display a poem. If you notice your mouse jumping across the screen, it can be because of a virus or water drop on your touchpad.

3. Issues With Files and Programs

The other popular effect of viruses is files modification. You might notice new files, applications, and folders on your computer hard drive. 

It’s one of the potential effects of a computer virus. The system files are usually the primary target. It’s because their modification can stop the functioning of the operating system. 

Conclusion 

Today most Windows PC (Windows 10) come with built-in antivirus known as windows defender. These antiviruses will indeed offer protection to your PC against viruses. 

Even if your PC comes with a built-in antivirus, you’ll need a third-party antivirus for extra security. There are many good alternatives to windows defender, and they come with more powerful features.