New Laptop, Antivirus Advice

[NENick]

I've relied on work for this, but now need to do something myself. The laptop came with a short term McAfee account, which I let expire.
PC World had an article rating various software and I'm leaning toward Norton 360 Deluxe. Can purchase it through PC World for $19.99.

I'm technologically illiterate.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[CyByrd]

Just use Windows Defender.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

Just use Windows Defender.

+1
Also, utilize ad blocker (AdBlock Plus) and don't roam random websites and click on ****.

Don't need additional software.

 

[NENick]

So doing my taxes through turbotax is OK without additional protection? Accessing my bank account?

 

[Clone83]

Just use Windows Defender.

+1
Also, utilize ad blocker (AdBlock Plus) and don't roam random websites and click on ****.

Don't need additional software.

This. I've had good luck with a decent adblocker, and Microsoft's free product since it first came out, and personal discretion.

For an adblocker I currently use uBlock Origin. Adblock Plus is a nice built-in option for MS Edge for both Android and iPhone, and I've used it on my PC before.

On Edge for PC and more generally I block (1) Pop-ups and redirects, and (2) Intrusive ads, settings which you can find under MS Edge Settings, then Cookies and Site Permissions. The Intrusive ads option is probably redundant since I'm using a good adblocker. I once found I had to allow a Pop-up on a site where I buy books (a site without any ads). So I added that as an exception under "(1) Pop-ups and redirects" (necessary to complete the transaction).

I've had McAfee, Norton, and one or two others in the past, and I found them unnecessarily intrusive. I haven't had any problems since.

 

[Clone83]

 

[CYdTracked]

Definitely don't use McAfee, it is a resource hog. I use Norton 360, I bought the subscription that has up to 5 devices so I could install it on parents and mother in law's PCs too. It's a good product, I don't buy the premium features that it will offer you from time to time but it does a good job of blocking malicious stuff.

 

[TitanClone]

So doing my taxes through turbotax is OK without additional protection? Accessing my bank account?

Yes

 

[Bader]

So doing my taxes through turbotax is OK without additional protection? Accessing my bank account?

If these things concern you, find a password manager you find easy to use and use it to generate unique passwords everywhere. You are at significantly higher risk of someone accessing these things through a data breach. Either directly, which there’s nothing you can do about it. Or indirectly because your password was in the breach and you use the same password everywhere

 

[Big Daddy Kang]

+1
Also, utilize ad blocker (AdBlock Plus) and don't roam random websites and click on ****.

Don't need additional software.

uBlock origin

 

[cyphoon]

I've relied on work for this, but now need to do something myself.

Wipe windows and install Linux.

I'm technologically illiterate.

Ohh...

 

[cyphoon]

Also, utilize ad blocker (AdBlock Plus) and don't roam random websites and click on ****.

An ad blocker or anything that prevents unwanted popups is important because hackers love popups that are designed to look like system windows. My 84 year old dad is a sucker for these

Rogue website: "Hey pops, your computer is running too slow! Do you want to fix it?"
My dad: "Well sure. I haven't trusted the town mechanic for 40 years, but I sure trust you."

H

 

[Cyclonepride]

If these things concern you, find a password manager you find easy to use and use it to generate unique passwords everywhere. You are at significantly higher risk of someone accessing these things through a data breach. Either directly, which there’s nothing you can do about it. Or indirectly because your password was in the breach and you use the same password everywhere

Yep, I have Bitwarden and I have 300 log ins and all of them are unique. Really the only way to go.

 

[Clonehomer]

While on the security topic, install an Authenticator app on your phone. With the way hackers can clone SIM cards now, it’s a more secure way for two step verification. Not all places use them yet, but it’s getting better.

 

[throwittoblythe]

An ad blocker or anything that prevents unwanted popups is important because hackers love popups that are designed to look like system windows. My 84 year old dad is a sucker for these

Rogue website: "Hey pops, your computer is running too slow! Do you want to fix it?"
My dad: "Well sure. I haven't trusted the town mechanic for 40 years, but I sure trust you."

H

Ugh. I fear for my parents in this era. One got hacked a couple years ago.

Random email: “You have overcharged your PayPal account. Call now or you’ll be assessed a $500 fine.”

Parent “that’s weird because I’ve never used PayPal. Better call them up and straighten this out!”

Amazing how our parents who taught us not to talk to strangers also have the position of “if it’s on the internet it must be real.”