Is an antivirus really needed for Windows 10?
There are different opinions about this issue. Do whatever you feel more comfortable with.From my point of view, one who works on the computer 10+ hours a day, Windows 10 comes with a very secured and efficient antivirus package built in, and there is no need to add more bulk into your computer.Just keep it up to date.Every time I take a longer break such as lunch or going for a walk, I run the update algorithm as follows:Press WIN key + i ( the WIN key is also known as “Start”Select “Update & Security” from the options that show upClick “Check for updates”Do that even if it says that it is up to date. It will look for new antivirus implementations among other updating features.To inspect and see if your system is protected, you can run the following sequence:Press WIN + xSelect SystemRead the About informationMake sure the following features are checked:Important question, thanks!p.s. Another reason to stick to native Windows protection is this: How Antivirus Software Can Be Turned Into a Tool for Spying
I just got a Sony Xperia Z1, do I need anti-virus software?
Just make sure you:Only download trustworthy apps from the Play Store.Download stuff that you know is safe.Don't trust your phone with anything that's too sensitive.Even if you don't do that, chances of your phone being infected are very slim.It happened to me once and it was a terrible experience (At that time I had installed McAfee, Kaspersky and avast! just for kicks). All my AV apps went haywire. I couldn't take it so I wiped my phone clean :) (Everything was stored in the cloud so I didn't lose anything) It might not have really been a virus or malware but you never know. Another thing, when I bought my Xperia SP it came with a free full year premium protection plan from McAfee. The first thing I did when I got the phone was to try and uninstall it. McAfee decided I was malware and the phone went into lockdown. By lockdown, I mean it locked me out and demanded a McAfee PIN that I hadn't even set before. My phone was unusable for about three days (It was brand new and I had barely used it) until I realized I could go into Safe Mode where all £rd Party apps would be disabled. It still asked for a PIN but 12345 worked. Needless to say, I'm still 'enjoying' my one year premium McAfee protection.If you decide to install AV software, make sure you have it completely set up. To be honest it isn't necessary but the extra features could be useful. I experienced first hand how 'effective' McAfee was against theft. My phone was rendered useless for three days. That's enough to frustrate thieves (I think).
Is grime slowing down my computer?
Here's what you can do Marcia . First you need to rid yourself of Avast . In performance tests and ratings from Dec. 2013 PC Magazine and PC world Avast has been rated as very low on detection ratings and as the author stated " always trying to upsell its customers by issuing paid services alerts These alerts are pop up generated to try and scare you into buying their services . Given that and as you say money being tight let me give you a step process you can do to fix any issues you have . First start by uninstalling Avast in add/remove programs don't worry about alert from windows saying you dont have protection your going to put a new one after you clean out any infections Start with ADW cleaner (free) http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download... run that and clean out what it finds real easy tool to use . Next scroll down and you will see junkware remover run that . Now download install and update and run malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/ (again free) if it finds anything it will quarantine it . Now lets get you antivirus the number 1 rated free anti virus with pc magazines from dec 2013 is Bit Defender Free http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,242... Try that also consider down the road if your pocketbook allows it upgrading to windows 7 Windows XP ends its update protection in April 2014 after that slated for Feb 2015 will be Windows Vista . Something to think about Good Luck
Are Clean Master and CM Security safe apps for an Android phone? Has anyone faced a problem due to these apps? What are their alternatives?
Clean Master is known for it’s shenanigans in the Android community.It is generally not needed since it mostly only creates a placebo effect of cleaning your phone. Sure, it might remove all the temporary files and other stuff, but this only means that they’ll be generated again when you use the particular app.Android in general, at least above Marshmallow can manage RAM efficiently. Clearing apps from the background is actually detrimental since it takes more time to load the app for the next run.Android N now keeps only the last 7 apps in the background for you for the same reason.Cheetah Mobile’s apps are also known to have a lot of unnecessary permissions and happen to activate Boost Charging and other gimmicks in your phone without permission. Other shady setting present is Opt for User Experience Research. I have failed to understand what they do if you opt in. Their UX never improves and I am partially in the belief that whatever they do isn’t right by any means.You don’t really need an Antivirus with Android. Just don’t visit porn websites, don’t click on weird ads, don’t believe a website can make your phone 50% faster and don’t install from unknown sources. You should be fine.Do reboot your phone once in two days to ensure smooth performance and clear the cache of apps from settings which you don’t often use. You should be good to go.