Computer Advice - Protection

[MaverickKane]

Hey, I am looking in to buying a new computer and before I get it, I want a fairly decent protection program internet security against virus, adware, hacking. I was hoping that someone can maybe suggest something? The only thing I have ever used is Norton or McFee. Mind you, I am on a budget, so I'd prefer something in a reasonable range for 2+ computers.

[NightLux]

Most of the "defense" regarding these things is you yourself.  Beware of sketchy links; make sure you get your installers from the actual websites, not repackaged ones; etc.

I only ever run Microsoft Security Essentials.  Its free and I've never had any problems.  Then again, I also reformat about once a year so that also makes sure things don't go sideways.  There's a sticky at the top that also goes into more detail.

[MaverickKane]

Oh I didn't see the stciky, thanks for pointing it out and...when you say reformat? what do you mean?

[NightLux]

Oh I didn't see the stciky, thanks for pointing it out and...when you say reformat? what do you mean?

Total reinstall of windows.  I have three drives - two SSD's (one for windows, another for Steam games I want lightning fast, then a big 3 TB HDD for data).  I make sure everything is on the big drive I want to save, pull it out of the tower, then entirely reformat the other two and install windows.