Laptop security

[DeborahVance]

I've got a new laptop, what security programme should I get?

I'm clueless about this, I had a cheap chrome book before so it wasn't an issue

Windows or iOS?

AVAST antivirus is free and works well.
It does prompt you to pay for upgrades quite often but just ignore that.

Regularly run Windows Update so you get latest patches for the operating system.

I've never used any, 5 computers, 6 kids aged 3-21 using them all day long. No viruses or malware.

Good Internet hygiene and built in windows defender should be sufficient.

Get one of the free AV solutions from an established firm
uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/120817/the-best-free-antivirus-protection
has a list.

Sort out some sort of regular backup for your data.

Ideally set up a day-to-day account that is NOT a member of the Administrators group. Only use an account which can have admin privileges when you mean to install software. This means you can't have malicious software make changes to your PC by accident.

Talk us through what you are going to do with this (in particular the bits the Chromebook is no good for) and we may have more tips.

(I worked in a related area).

If you're used to using a Chrome book, then carry on using Google docs and your data will be stored in the cloud and so should be reasonably protected. Do regular backups anyway.

The built in Windows protection is pretty good so you may not need anything else.

I agree. Install a free one and ignore all the messages inviting you to buy an upgrade. Review every year and switch to a new one if necessary.
Also make sure you install any general updates to your laptop’s operating system and software when prompted. These often plug security gaps that have opened up.

Old thread resurrected by someone promoting their business.

But this is good advice from @Fenella123 (and was also given to me by an IT colleague):

"Ideally set up a day-to-day account that is NOT a member of the Administrators group. Only use an account which can have admin privileges when you mean to install software. This means you can't have malicious software make changes to your PC by accident."

It means don't use the PC/laptop straight out of the box without setting up a new user account, which you'll use as your main account. Restrict the admin privileges on that account so that it will prevent software being installed automatically without you knowing. The out-of-the-box account you'll keep as your Admin account (make a note of the username and password!) and if you get any notifications of software installations you'll need to log into the Admin account to accept them.