Malwarebytes.

[sapelesam]

I have to admit a general ignorance when it comes to computer security. I rely on the McAfee security included with my Infinity Broadband. If I install paid for Malwarebytes, do I have to do anything complicated. Or do I just install and sit back.

[Jackdaw33]

You don't have to pay for it. Chico will tell you more.

[sapelesam]

I thought you can only get 30 days free, I'd rather just buy it.

[Jackdaw33]

Apparently it is 30 days free and if you don't buy it it reverts to a fully free version. As I said, Buenchico is the expert on this.

[sapelesam]

Thanks Jack, I'll look out for Buenchico.

[Mamyalynne]

As Jack says Sam , read this.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question1578180.html

[sapelesam]

Thanks Mamya, my Infinity never seems as fast as BT says it is. Anything that slows it down is a no thanks.

[Buenchico]

I'm not an 'expert' on anything!

If you download the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware you automatically get a time-limited trial of the full 'Premium' version. If you do nothing that reverts to just the free version after the end of the trial.

The difference is that the Premium version works 'in the background', meaning that it's always running and on the look-out for anything nasty, wheras the free version doesn't do anything at all unless you actually run it. (i.e. it's 'run on demand').

Further, the latest Premium version is designed as a replacement for your current anti-virus program, rather than as a supplement to it (as the free version is).

I've actually taken a bit of a dislike to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware recently though, as it forces you into trying the Premium version and (here's the important bit) I've found that the Premium version can severely slow some of my machines down as it runs in the background.

My own preference is to stick with my current anti-virus program (which is Avast) and to supplement it with AdwCleaner, which is an alternative to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for zapping adware, etc.

AdwCleaner used to be entirely separate to Malwarebytes but is now owned by them, and should therefore be just as good. Just like the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, it's 'run on demand' only, so you need to remember to run it every so often. (I suggest once per fortnight or, of course, as soon as you seen any signs of possible malware appearing). However it's not linked to any time-limited trial of a 'premium' product, and it doesn't 'run in the background', so you don't need to worry about it possibly slowing your computer.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/

[Buenchico]

If I'd bothered to check out Mamya's link I could probably have saved myself a bit of typing ;-)

[Mamyalynne]

:-)

[sapelesam]

As always, a combined effort gets the result, many thanks to you all.

[Old_Geezer]

Best be wary of that adwcleaner. It says it has to close things to remove stuff, so to save everything. Not wanting to do that at that stage, one hits the x to just close it, and apparently it is hilarious to take that as a "everything saved just go do what you want" agreement ! Basic design flaw. E-mail file was not closed properly and was rechecked on restarting. Was ok, thankfully.