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Which antivirus is best for PC?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

You can't go wrong with Windows Internet Security, the program that's built into your computer. The closer you are to your operating system, the better.

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Question

Do I need antivirus software if I have Windows Defender?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

You don't need any other antivirus software for your computer. In fact, installing third-party software (like McAfee) will disable Windows Internet Security.

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Question

Why are Macs so safe?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

Macs require every application to be digitally signed and approved by Apple. If the app isn't approved, you'll have to jump through an extra hoop to get it up and running.

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Question

Is adware a type of virus?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

Adware isn't a virus, even though it may act like one. Instead, it's actually a type of malware. Thankfully, Mac's digital signing feature and Windows Security Essentials protect against both viruses and malware.

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Question

How can I avoid getting hacked?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

Always keep your software up-to-date. Most tech vulnerabilities are known about long before they're actually exploited; if you keep your software updated, they'll be nonexistent and irrelevant to you.

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Question

How can I guard against wireless attacks on my laptop by cell phones?

Community Answer

Use a VPN so you cannot get hacked.

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What is the very best way to encrypt all of my computer files?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

A simple way is to right-click the file or folder you want to encrypt and select "Properties." Then, click the Advanced button and click the checkbox for the "Encrypt contents to secure data" option.

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