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189 Liverpool Street, Hobart   7000
Ph 03 6231 9993    Fax 03 6231 9994
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www.computertrader.com.au
SECURITY SOFTWARE – ANTIVIRUS and ANTISPYWARE
In recent years Computer Trader has commonly supplied systems with Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Defender and Malwarebytes.  If you rely on these to protect your computer, and if you would like our advice about security protection, this courtesy newsletter may be of interest. 
BullGuard For best protection we recommend BullGuard Internet Security software from the UK, which will economically give top-rated protection with a minimum of unwanted side effects.  
Microsoft Security Essentials (antivirus and antispyware) offers no-frills basic protection against both viruses and spyware.  It is well supported with regular automatic updates, and does its job with minimal maintenance.  It is free of charge, and free from advertising.  Works on Windows 7.  No longer available for Vista and XP.
Windows Defender (Windows 8 and 10) is effectively the new name for Security Essentials – see above.  It can be used on its own for basic antivirus and antispyware protection.  W10 v1703 (Creators Update) introduced a comprehensive upgrade of Windows Defender.
Windows Defender on W7 is antispyware only and you are strongly advised to also install antivirus software such as Bullguard or Security Essentials.
MyWot (Web of Trust) is a free add-on for your web browser.  It can help make you aware of scam websites, untrustworthy links and rogue web stores.
Spybot and AVG have not been installed for some time.
Windows XP and Vista have very few options left - at the time of writing, Avast still offer free antivirus (with advertising).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Computer Trader recommends using only use one ‘constantly monitoring’ antivirus program such as BullGuard or Microsoft Security Essentials/Defender. Using more than one can be counterproductive as they can interfere with each other.  (Malwarebytes Free Version is different – it runs only on demand).
For best protection we recommend BullGuard Internet Security software from the UK, which will economically give top-rated protection with a minimum of unwanted side effects.  Otherwise if you use Microsoft Security Essentials (“MSSE”) or if you have Windows 8 then you will have basic protection in place, free of charge.  
D.I.Y. METHOD TO CHANGE ANTIVIRUS
-          Decide on BullGuard (recommended all-round protection) or Microsoft Security Essentials / Defender (good free protection).  Note that W10 and W8 have Defender built in.
-          Uninstall all existing antivirus software (control panel – “programs & features” or “add/remove programs”)  n.b. you cannot remove Defender this way from W10 or 8.1 – it is built in to the operating system.
-          If you have decided to use Defender on W10 or 8.1, all you have to do is to remove all other antivirus programs, Defender should automatically start.  If something goes wrong, please contact Computer Trader J
-          Go to our Useful Links web page http://www.computertrader.com.au/links.htm and click your choice of BullGuard or Microsoft Security Essentials – follow the process through to install.
-          (optional) Download Malwarebytes  from the same Useful Links page
 
-          (optional) Download Web Of Trust  from the same Useful Links page
IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE then just contact any of us here at Computer Trader, we will of course be pleased to help.