Hi
I used to download a game from the Internet, but it also installed another program. (Unfortunately, I don't know what it was anymore) Then I reset the computer and it was gone. And I've also downloaded mods for the Sims 3. As I said, that was a few years ago and actually everything works normally and I also use the laptop regularly. But I don't have an antivirus program and now I'm very afraid that I have a virus that might save my passwords (but check my accounts regularly to see if something unusual is going on or if someone has logged in from somewhere else). I also checked the Task Manager, but unfortunately I don't understand enough about these things and that doesn't help me. In the worst case, what can happen if I have a virus or something similar? Can it cost anything? (Except of course a new computer)
The worst case scenario would be that you would have to set up your PC again. You don't have to pay them anything! If at some point you also use the PC for business and your data is secretly put on the network, then of course it can have bigger consequences, so it's not good.
As I said, that was a few years ago and everything is actually working normally…
Then why the concerns only now?!
I don't know, to be honest. I just thought about it and then Googled and yeah. I then read that you should control the Task Manager, but as I said, I don't know which of it is necessary and which is "unusual"… Can a virus or something take a long time to become "active"?
They can't do anything to you. Show no weakness
Windows actually filters quite well against malware. I don't use an anti-virus program either. I would try the following.
Windows → Viruses and Threat Protection → Microsoft Defender Antivirus Options → Regularly check on
Is Windows Defender free? And it's just an old version of Windows, Windows 7
Hmm, I'm not familiar with Windows 7. You can have a look on the internet to see if something like that has already existed.
After that, I reset the computer and it was gone.
In that case, you're lucky.
If in doubt, resetting does not eliminate the viruses.
But I don't have an antivirus program and now I'm very scared that I have a virus
Considering the perforated performance of Windows Defender in the standard settings compared to comparable software, this is definitely justified.
Solution: Use a good antivirus product - and since you seem to be a layman, use a paid offer with service. Then you have professional support in case of doubt if an infection should have occurred.
Finally, my text module 2.2.1 "Security software" as of October 22nd, 2020
If you have such questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
- "Windows Defender is enough" homeopaths
- "Antivirus is unnecessary" anti-vaccination
- "Anti-virus software is snake blood" esotherics
- People who mistake programs like AdwCleaner for anti-virus software.
First to the points above:
"Windows Defender is sufficient" This statement is a half-truth.
It is true that with the correct settings, Windows Defender can be hardened to the point where it is enough. But that doesn't affect the default settings most people are allowed to run the thing with.
I can name two ways with which you can significantly improve the security of the Defender:
For normal users: Use ConfigureDefender and set the security level to "Max": https://github.com/...reDefender
For professionals: Here are the video instructions for ThePCSecurityChannel:
In both cases, you buy a higher level of security through a higher load on resources. It could also be that certain programs no longer run correctly because they can no longer access certain folders.
Personally, I would only use it if there was no other way.
The view that Windows Defender is sufficient should come from the test portal "av-test.org", from which umpteen media outlets get the information more or less without reflection.
There are - at least in German - no alternative portals known to me that tests such software.
"Antivirus is unnecessary" anti-vaccine
Please ignore it - in my experience they are as serious as "normal" vaccine opponents.
Yes, antivirus programs are not perfect either and can have security gaps themselves. But how do you tell if you have an infection when you don't have any tools?
"Antivirus software is snakeblood" This includes statements that one should use the Defender because other AV software could tear security holes in the operating system.
Well, that about the security holes is correct - and has already happened. But of course the statement also applies to the Defender and Windows themselves.
Every software can have security gaps - so there's no reason to avoid other or general AV software.
Important: The point that the Defender is better integrated into Windows has never been proven and is always presented (ideologically).
It is also not possible at all because the software is "closed source" and the point can't be checked at all. It is therefore a pure esoteric or ideological statement without evidence / basis. On the other hand, it has been proven by countless tests that AV software can prevent and detect infections.
In general, the following also applies here: How do you want to determine an infection if you do not use the appropriate tools?
"People who mistake programs like AdwCleaner for antivirus software." Please don't misunderstand: AdwCleaner is a super cool program for removing adware. But it is not a full-fledged virus scanner.
It is a good support if an existing virus scanner is installed.
If you want to know which virus scanners are recommended from my point of view, then my answer is:
- If you have no problems with software from Russia, turn to Kaspersky.
- If you want software from the EU, I recommend Bitdefender or Sophos.
- Especially from Germany I can recommend Avira - however, the free version was very annoying with advertising when I last tried it out and it has worse anti-ransomware protection than the paid version.
Kaspersky and Bitdefender also perform very well in the free versions and outperform Windows Defender:
Either with better security in the standard
Thanks for the answer, you seem to know your way around! Can you tell me the worst that can happen if I really have a virus? Or. Does it matter how long it has been on my laptop? Because I haven't downloaded anything for 3 years.
