Anti-Virus performance optimisation (Cloud?)

[Frank Rideau]

Hello,
I've been many years without any anti-virus on my music PC. For a long time, the machine I used was not connected on the internet or any network, it was solely used for music making. So it terms of processing, it was pretty much optimized for the audio processing. I even had Windows services tweaked and anything related to Defender or Firewall was disabled.

Now, I need to have the machine connected on the internet. In fact, it is already is. I have many plug-ins licence that worked with the internet, it's easier to access updates, find documentation, search for help, etc...

Argggg, so yes now I am tempted to read the SOS forum rather than just doing music with my DAW.

I would like to install an Anti-Virus solution that would not eat all the resources, and I was thinking, maybe there is some cloud solution that keep a part of things going on the server side.
Would you have any specific recommendation? And what is your approach in general with AV on your DAW?

Thank you.

[muzines]

Use Microsoft's free AV system built into Windows.

Do not use a third-party system, it's a bunch of third-party code stuffed deep into your system and thus a vector for security exploits.

That's it, simples.

[James Perrett]

I'd agree with Desmond. Microsoft's anti virus is non invasive and it is easy to forget that it is there - apart from the odd notification in the bottom corner from time to time to let you know it is still working.

[Frank Rideau]

Thank you, I guess you are talking about Windows Defender.

Yes, It's easy to forget about it to the point I was not sure if it was any serious protection at all, but if it's your recommendation, that would make my research easier than I thought.

Regards,
Frank

[wireman]

I have been using ESET Nod32 (just the AV product) because when I first started using it I think it was the least invasive from a performance perspective. But the feature set has grown so I'm not so sure nowadays.

Hopefully the modern multi-core cpus and faster storage make these products less of an issue than they used to be.

I have had bad experiences with AV products that came bundled with laptops that family members purchased and it was some effort to remove them.

[CS70]

Thank you, I guess you are talking about Windows Defender.

Yes, It's easy to forget about it to the point I was not sure if it was any serious protection at all, but if it's your recommendation, that would make my research easier than I thought.

Regards,
Frank

Yes, Defender is lightweight and ok, as far as antiviruses go. But also: don't wander on dubious sites, and do not download and execute dubious executables. You'll be fine.

[James Perrett]

It may also be worth saying that I run Malwarebytes Free from time to time too.

[ef37a]

It may also be worth saying that I run Malwarebytes Free from time to time too.

As do I. I only run MS anti virus software and have done for over ten years on several computers. I have only had one serious 'invasion' a few years ago, my fault, I opened a link that 'seemed' to come from UPS.

I also ditched the AV that came with the latest laptop, not paying for that after 90 days! Same with the temporary MS Office.

Dave.

[Rich Hanson]

I agree with the above, Defender is fine. I also use a Javascript blocker plugin in my browser, and whitelist various known good sites (if you use online payments, don't forget to whitelist your bank otherwise confusion might well ensue )

[Arpangel]

I use Malwarebytes, for the occasional scan, I’m OK with Defender too.
Used to use Avast, but it was so invasive, and constantly nagging.

[Frank Rideau]

Thanks all, very happy with your recommendations: Defender + Malwarebytes.

I have always hated the typical "Avast" type of AV. This software just acts exactly like the viruses and malware it's supposed to protect you from.

[CS70]

Thanks all, very happy with your recommendations: Defender + Malwarebytes.

I have always hated the typical "Avast" type of AV. This software just acts exactly like the viruses and malware it's supposed to protect you from.

Meaning that it encrypts your hard disk and asks you for money to get your data back? An interesting business model

[n o i s e f l e ur]

Another vote for just use MS Defender (and script control in your browser).

If I had to run AV I'd maybe go with Avira - since it's not crap @ AV and although not as unobtrusive as once was . . . well, it's not crap @ AV. (It actually plays nicely with the other kids, just the nags are a slight negative).

[ef37a]

"(and script control in your browser)."
Wots dat den?

Dave.

[Rich Hanson]

"(and script control in your browser)."
Wots dat den?

Dave.

I use ScriptBlock on Chrome. It simply stops Javascript code from running unless you specifically allow it.

[Martin Walker]

I use ScriptBlock on Chrome. It simply stops Javascript code from running unless you specifically allow it.

Thanks Rich - just installed that on my PC.

Whoops - and have already had to add two exceptions.

1. soundonsound.com (otherwise you can't get the Smilies to work)

2. ddmf.eu (otherwise the images of their plug-in products don't appear)

Looks like I'll have to get used to this one.


Martin

[n o i s e f l e ur]

Yeah, you train them as you go - some are more user-friendly out of the box.

Privacy Badger's quite a good (and popular) one. NoScript (canonical!) would be quite a pain for most.

Firefox has a lot of this built right into its Tracking Protections now too. Just click the little purple shield.

For anyone just installing and using something like this for the first time I'd just like to welcome you to your new internet. You are now marginally more secure, and check out those pageloads!

Oh, so now you're starting to notice latency huh? Maybe change your DNS to point to something like OpenDNS and / or Google instead of your ISP. Do it at the router (or in the OS, both work).

Should be pretty zippy now.

[Rich Hanson]

I'll reiterate to add exceptions for your bank otherwise online purchasing will go awry with sites using the Mastercard/Visa security check popup thingumee.

[Mike Stranks]

Just to add my 2p:

1) Defender
2) Malwarebytes
3) Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
4) CCleaner - on manual settings

and, of course, regular, scheduled backups... I use an automated system so don't even need to think about it.