Hi,

which software do you use to protect your computer? I personally fall back on freeware tools, but my experience is, that these are limited useable for flight sim. Most addon developers expect you to exclude files are folders, or deactivate during installation. Freeware tools doesn't support this feature in the limited version.

Is there freeware alternative, or do I need to switch to an payware addon? When yes, which one is not too expensive but still recommendable?

Spoiler

 

As someone fairly knowledgeable in this area, the only three suites I would use (in no particular order) are Nortons, Bit Defender, and Kapersky. They are always at the top of the AV-TEST recommended list in all three categories while others come and go.

Been running Nortons on multiple flight sim computers for years, no issues or performance problems whatsoever.

Best wishes.

 

 

Edited March 19, 20188 yr by DaveCT2003

ESET's NOD32 on my sim/gaming machines here.

 

Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.   Free and frequently updated.  10 years with them and no issues. 

1 hour ago, 737_800 said:

Hi,

which software do you use to protect your computer? I personally fall back on freeware tools, but my experience is, that these are limited useable for flight sim. Most addon developers expect you to exclude files are folders, or deactivate during installation. Freeware tools doesn't support this feature in the limited version.

Is there freeware alternative, or do I need to switch to an payware addon? When yes, which one is not too expensive but still recommendable?

I've always used Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, and finally and most importantly HijackThis to scan for any new or unwanted startup processes and services.  A good knowledge of what is running in the background will always help assure a smooth running sim with zero stutters and blurries.  My system is as pristine as the day I bought it almost a year ago, and has no hard lockups since I have owned it.  Malwarebytes is good at detecting "drive by downloads" when you mistype a url or happen upon some gaming site with suspicious software.  Also remember that some freeware for the sim can be infected, remembering that some old school gauges are compiled dll's vs the newer xml gauges.  My only freeware aircraft in Avsim's library, my ultralight trike, uses xml gauges backward compatible to FS2004 and that run well in P3D.  Hope my response helps in addition to those antivir programs already recommended by other knowledgeable simmers.

John

I am using Norton for many years without problem.

Mike

I also use Norton Internet Security (current version), and have used NIS for many years, I also run the occasional free version Malwarebytes scan.

Norton is not cheap by comparison to other payware AV's but is reliable and rarely gets in the way. My last NIS renewal cost $89.00 - AU$ for 3 PC's 12mths.
Gave up on Free AV's, you get what you pay for. Mostly ads and basic functionality + free virus def updates, most are only resident apps unless upgraded to payware version after trial period, except for defender/MS SecurityEssentials.

NIS has an "Auto Silent" function for designated Fullscreen programs, and the manual Silent option for programs not user listed as Fullscreen programs. A quick handy way to prevent filescanning while operating your sim. You can manually apply exclusions to any executable, file, or folder. Norton also uses its own firewall unlike the freeware AV's which rely on MS. The GUI is easy to use and understand along with the settings.

NIS also has Quarantine restore and scan exclusion, it also seems to use minimal resources except after a core NIS update where for a short period can use 8%- 25% CPU while indexing. Regular Liveupdates for virus definitions and NIS version updates, their support is pretty good too. Be wary though of NPE tool (NortonPowerEraser) if ever needed it can/will aggressively remove files that you have already deemed safe, but this is a last resort for stubborn malware that you may have inadvertently installed. NPE has a restore function if something is mistakenly removed, which is good to know.

Hope that makes your decision easier.

Edited March 20, 20188 yr by Jethro

Like others, I use Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. I think it depends on your personal browsing habits and who else uses your machine. If you can avoid certain sites and click-bait, and you don't have others using your machine, you can get away with free protection. 

6 hours ago, Cactus521 said:

've always used Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, and finally and most importantly Hijack

That is a protection "cocktail" that costs little and totally performs!  All I have used since I built this Win 10 system 2 1/5 years ago and I have not had the headaches and system performance issues I had with the so-called premium packages.  With the system slowdown I previously experienced I always suspected they were spying on and exploiting my usage.