Ask HN: Is antivirus on Windows worthwhile any more?

7 points by chris_wot 4y ago ↗ HN

I was just reading about Norton installing a cryptominer by default, and after reading the comments on HN it seems that all AV products do is slow down the computer. In fact, they don't seem terribly good at detecting many viruses and malware.

My question is: do people recommend still using AV programs any more on Windows?

3 comments

[ 4.1 ms ] story [ 18.0 ms ] thread

uberman 4y ago ↗

I only use the default AV and knock on wood I have never had a problem. Not that it makes Windows super secure or whatever.

smt88 4y ago ↗

Windows comes with anti-malware. Don't install anything else.

Anunayj 4y ago ↗

Well if you're a tech savvy user, Install ublock origin, don't run random binaries (tip: install chocolatey) and you are already pretty safe without any Antivirus. Windows Defender works just fine for anything more. Oh and take regular backups! No antivirus can protect you from your own stupidity and 100% of the attacks.