Paphos Life

I'm posting this as a topic rather than a PM as I think lots of members might be interested.

For some years I have been happily using the free BitDefender anti-virus software but they've evidently decided to go for the cash as the free service is being withdrawn from next month. I've now looked at a couple of free alternatives but they seem to offer a basic service but ask for a subscription for comprehensive protection. Has anyone found an adequate free package or is it time to start paying and if so for what? TIA.

I use the free version of Avast and have not had any problems

If you are using Windows it ships with a free antivirus product.

I use Bitdefender Free and haven't been asked for any cash

This also indicated that it's free
https://www.bitdefender.co.uk/solutions/free.html

However, as long as you have an up to date version of Windows 10, as Dominic says, Defender is another suitable choice ....

Dominic wrote: ↑Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:19 am If you are using Windows it ships with a free antivirus product.

I've read reviews of Windows Defender which say it's fairly good but doesn't offer adequate protection against malware and lacks system cleanup/performance boosting facilities. I guess that's why I'm prepared to pay for a more comprehensive product.

As I said before, I can see no evidence that the free product is being withdrawn.
This article is dated 2016
https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/su ... wer/19606/

Malwarebytes (free) will do protection against malware and Windows automatically does cleanup/performance boosting ... or you could use CCleaner (free)

J B I received an email this morning from BitDefender. I quote "As of 1st of January 2022, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition will officially be discontinued and no longer available for use." It will continue to be supported until 30th June 2022.

I've now used the free Windows Defender for about three years with no problems. Just careful not opening emails if I do not recognise them and not doing anything dodgy.

The free Windows one is all you need. I've been using it on its own for well over a decade. It sits there quietly and does its job.

kansas wrote: ↑Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:53 am J B I received an email this morning from BitDefender. I quote "As of 1st of January 2022, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition will officially be discontinued and no longer available for use." It will continue to be supported until 30th June 2022.

Hmm, interesting.
You sure it was for real was it?

But, just seen this
https://malwaretips.com/threads/bitdefe ... 22.111380/

Been using Kaspersky for years, just bought a package from amazon UK, (they email you the code )
cover for three appliances for two years, £26,
Ive tried free ones in the passed and have had problems with them.... they infected my computer twice, so had to pay a tech guy 50 e twice to clean them up.

Anarita John wrote: ↑Thu Dec 09, 2021 11:19 am I've now used the free Windows Defender for about three years with no problems. Just careful not opening emails if I do not recognise them and not doing anything dodgy.

This is the best protection.

I use Webroot SecureAnywhere and have done so for ages. Yes, I pay $50 for three machines (can be mixed). This is not just an antivirus software but a total security system with automatic updates within minutes of availability, while operating invisibly in the background.

Just had the email from Bitdefender

As of 1st of January 2022, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition will officially be discontinued and no longer available for use.

Dominic wrote: ↑Thu Dec 09, 2021 6:47 pm

Anarita John wrote: ↑Thu Dec 09, 2021 11:19 am I've now used the free Windows Defender for about three years with no problems. Just careful not opening emails if I do not recognise them and not doing anything dodgy.

This is the best protection.

I agree. Microsoft spends huge sums of money on R&D so cannot believe they would risk their reputation by not keeping ahead of the game

I actually meant not clicking email links or visiting dodgy sites.

Like the best way of not getting a lady pregnant is to refrain from having sex with her.

I just remembered abou this ..... my Bitdefender is still working!

Can someone just remind me how to upload an image please.

Just had a pop up on my PC - did I want to install Bitdefender Free, so, maybe it's back ....