Is it still necessary to have extra anti-virus software on your computer?

[Artemesia's Garden]

I think I need to get rid of Sophos now, but I don't know what to replace it with. Any ideas?

[BlackCurtains]

All I have is Win10 security and it does a good job. Virus definitions are kept updated and it can quarantine and remove like any other software. I do use AdBlock+ and have Chrome security too.

I think it depends on your OS and where you go online. Some sites affiliated with certain things (like free stuff - free wallpapers, fonts, brushes, etc.) are more prone to have malware. I find having AdBlock+ filters out 99% of ads which can contain viruses and stuff. And Chrome will warn you when you're entering an unsafe address.

So, you don't have to have backup for viruses but you still need protection from other sources.

[Beth3346]

Probably not. windows has a lot of built in security now. but i agree adding an add blocker to your browser helps a lot. i also find sites load faster when i use an ad blocker. I started using the Brave browser. Which is just Chrome with some added privacy features. also checking for https on websites where you enter any passwords/personal information of any kind is important. usually the browser will have a little lock next to the website address.

also keep regular backups of photos/documents etc. just in case. i use dropbox but i think windows comes with onedrive. also an external hard drive back up is probably a good idea.

[Stellaluna]

All I can say is Malwarebytes and Combo Cleaner did wonders for keeping my Mac clean and safe. That is, until I started forgetting to routinely run them and then foolishly tried to download a browser that can play old flash games so I could relive the neopets glory days. My computer almost immediately slowed down and then completely crashed. I've been living without a computer for several months now and my repair guy says everything is lost. So yes, virus attacks can still happen if you're doing silly things - and who knows, they might even happen if you're not doing silly things. So I'd say there's still a need for routine antivirus scans just in case!

[tailrustedtealeaf]

I am my own virus protection!

I definitely agree having an adblocker helps. I use Ublock on Firefox.

[Artemesia's Garden]

Thanks all. I am running Windows 10 and use Firefox with Duck Duck Go and APB. I have a hard drive backup that I use around every 3 months. Sounds like I should be OK if I can just weed out all the Sophos stuff and delete it. I think my Dad used to keep me up to date with these things!