Will this be shown in the "web protection" section?
No. What matters is protection. MBBG does provide great protection and NextDNS will take care of ads and trackers. You can also enable the beta AI protection is NextDNS configuration.
I use Bitdefender TrafficLight and AdGuard extensions, and web protection sections says no providers.
It's been a while since I last used TrafficLight. I am using MBBG and no adblocking extensions. MBBG does block ads, but I am already using NextDNS systemwide and in browsers as Private DNS Provider.
I'd strongly advise you to stop changing antivirus software regularly and to just settle with the one you trust the most. Antivirus software is different type of software which not only integrates deep in the system, but also leaves scars permanently on the Windows installation. In the end, your system becomes filled which useless drivers and files from various antivirus software that could later cause you headaches.
I do change security products a lot. I have a system image. I do not uninstall security product, but I restore the clean system image instead.I'd strongly advise you to stop changing antivirus software regularly and to just settle with the one you trust the most. Antivirus software is different type of software which not only integrates deep in the system, but also leaves scars permanently on the Windows installation. In the end, your system becomes filled which useless drivers and files from various antivirus software that could later cause you headaches.
I used to change antivirus often when I was younger (wanted to test it all). Let's just say I had to reinstall Windows often because of it.
Click on show providers in the right panel.
OK, it's in the Settings page, which I rarely open.
I forget to check it before when I have 3rd party antivirus installed, so nothing will change if I use Microsoft Defender or 3rd party antivirus, thanks for the notice.
That's the most painful way. Why? You created system image, then installed other antivirus software and tested it for a month or so. During this time you used your PC normally meaning you saved some files, probably did some changes and all the software is up to date. Now, you want your old system back; you restore the system image and lose all the files and changes you did after creating the system image backup. Not to mention, all software you had updated, is now outdated and need updating again.
Yeah, it took me a while to find that as well. I also have nothing listed under web protection. It's probably reserved for some Microsoft service.
I'd strongly advise you to stop changing antivirus software regularly and to just settle with the one you trust the most. Antivirus software is different type of software which not only integrates deep in the system, but also leaves scars permanently on the Windows installation. In the end, your system becomes filled which useless drivers and files from various antivirus software that could later cause you headaches.
I used to change antivirus often when I was younger (wanted to test it all). Let's just say I had to reinstall Windows often because of it.
This is a golden advice, I already noticed that my windows installation need a clean reinstall, but I want to decide which programs I will settle with before doing that.I agree with @Marko's advice. Strange though, I don't even show the Web Protection section in Windows Security.
All my files are synced to the cloud in realtime so I do not lose any files. Regarding updating software, I do not update the apps from settings. Instead I go and download the up-to-date setup files and keep them on a drive (not the system one). Thus, when I restore the system, it only takes 15 mins to get up to date.That's the most painful way. Why? You created system image, then installed other antivirus software and tested it for a month or so. During this time you used your PC normally meaning you saved some files, probably did some changes and all the software is up to date. Now, you want your old system back; you restore the system image and lose all the files and changes you did after creating the system image backup. Not to mention, all software you had updated, is now outdated and need updating again.
I used system image before as a replacement for system restore because it's more powerful. It costed me some files I cared about as I forgot they weren't included into system image.
Now I use system image just in extreme cases for when I would ran into some issues that I couldn't fix.
It's just better to test antivirus software into virtual environment. Or just not to test it at all, and as I said, keep using the antivirus software you trust.
Yeah, it took me a while to find that as well. I also have nothing listed under web protection. It's probably reserved for some Microsoft service.
I'd say the first line of defense is the web browser, so instead of wondering what antivirus software you'll use, think how to better protect your web browser. Because pretty much everything you do on your PC is done through it. There are relatively small chances of infection outside the web browser, and this is where antivirus software actually comes in.This is a golden advice, I already noticed that my windows installation need a clean reinstall, but I want to decide which programs I will settle with before doing that.
Extensions -> Manifest V2 extensions). On Chrome and other Chromium browsers you'll have to use less powerful, severely limited versions of ad blockers.It's great that you found a model that works for you. We do have to keep in mind this is a public forum, anyone could see you guys changing antivirus software like an underwear and might think that's a good idea, and I bet the average PC user doesn't know what system image backup is. This is why I wrote an explanation why regularly changing antivirus software is a bad thing.
Thank you so much for the detailed recommendation.I'd say the first line of defense is the web browser, so instead of wondering what antivirus software you'll use, think how to better protect your web browser. Because pretty much everything you do on your PC is done through it. There are relatively small chances of infection outside the web browser, and this is where antivirus software actually comes in.
I'm not sure how experienced you are with computers and security, but if you do know at least some basics, I'd recommend you following;
1. Use popular web browser
It doesn't matter which; Firefox, Brave, Opera, Chrome, or Edge. Why? These are the most popular ones, they are updated immediately without any delay if there's new vulnerability found. Other web browsers like Waterfox, Pale Moon, Ungoogled Chromium, Vivaldi and hundreds of others might not get security updates fast. Their security depends on how fast their developer updates it or will they even apply that update to their browser.
2. Turn on malware and phishing protection inside the web browser
Google Safe Browsing provides excellent protection not only from phishing, but malware as well. Chromium browsers and Firefox will block download if they see it as malicious. Though I would add another level of protection if you want your peace of mind. Bitdefender TrafficLight is ideal solution and offers really good protection. Emsisoft Browser Protection is an alternative.
3. Install an ad blocker
This is must-have these days. It can also help protect you from malvertising and exploit, and as a bonus blocks cookie notices.
uBlock Origin and AdGuard are the only ones I could recommend. uBlock Origin might require some knowledge to operate, but AdGuard is simple to use.
4. Set up DNS that blocks phishing and malware
The best kind of browsing protection is network-level protection. It blocks malicious sites even before they get to your browser.
Quad9 is the one I'd recommend in this area.
5. Antivirus software and firewall
Windows Defender & Windows Firewall. Period. You really don't need anything else. It's free and it's developed by the Microsoft meaning it will never cause you any issues. Just make sure to enable detection of PUP and that's pretty much it. As I said, the biggest chance of getting infected is through the web browser.
And now I have some advices;
1. Keep all your software and Windows up to date
I know disabling Windows Update might sound tempting for some, but it's not longer needed because Microsoft releases stable updates. Just make sure not to install preview updates; those aren't tested yet and can cause problems. If you let Windows handle things on their own, there won't be any issues.
And regarding software, it's really important to keep them updated. Antivirus and web browser are top priority here.
2. Be careful where you download stuff from
Try not to download various keygens, cracked software, and avoid torrents. If you're sailing the seas, there are some subreddits on Reddit for that with a constantly updated list of safe websites and guides for doing so. And obviously, I'd encourage you to use open source software whenever you can. Sometimes it's even better than the commercial couterpart.
3. Before signing into any website, check domain
Phishing websites are very good in imitating the original pages. That's why it's necessary to check the address bar every single time. That's simply the best protection from phishing attacks.
4. Don't click on links or opening attachments from mails coming from unknown senders
This is how you get ransomware, btw. Why are companies mostly affected by the ransomware attacks? Too many (uneducated) people working with e-mail. If someone really is sending you something over mail, they won't send it unannounced. They'll call you on the phone or contact you by any other means. So if you see any mail coming from unknown sender, just delete it. You saved yourself from troubles.
And that's all I'm gonna give you. With all of that, you have brain in your head which should alarm you when something looks fishy.
It's great that you found a model that works for you. We do have to keep in mind this is a public forum, anyone could see you guys changing antivirus software like an underwear and might think that's a good idea, and I bet the average PC user doesn't know what system image backup is. This is why I wrote an explanation why regularly changing antivirus software is a bad thing.
Beside, most of people want their PC to just work. Without having to mess with it too much. Myself included. The less software I have on my PC, the better shape it is in.
