It’s been a long while since i used a desktop and honestly can’t remember what antivirus software i used, and even then, probably the landscape has changed over the years.
Atm i’ve been winging it with just Windows Defender (no custom configuration) and scanning any thing that looks suspicious on VirusTotal, but probably that would be not enough.
I’m thinking on get a couple of pirated files, so i’d like to be as secure as possible.
Just stick with Windows’ built-in security. Only download from trusted pirate sites.
Exactly the same as what I did (I think it was called Microsoft Security Essentials); things are a lot more locked-down these days, never had a virus or issue in many many years (then moved back to Apple).
Thanks! Default settings or there is something i need to configure?
After setting up the PC, search “defender” in the toolbar and poke around a little bit. The security settings are very intuitive, so I’m sure you can modify things to your liking.
And use VirusTotal when in doubt.
Windows defender is fine if you use a good adblocker and learn what is or isn’t a safe download.
Use Common Sense™ brand antivirus. Pirated files like movies and songs are mostly ok except for executables. Those must be sourced from trusted sites. Pirating has its risks and if possible do it on another machine not used for work. Antivirus will almost always flag crackers and keygens anyways.
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned yet - have a good backup solution. If there isn’t anything on your computer that can’t be restored, then you’re not going to feel as much pressure to protect things.
Of course there’s crypto miners, identity theft, botnet stuff, all sorts of things that run undetected and don’t simply render your computer unusable. But if you’re absolutely sure you’re not losing anything, then “nuke it from orbit” becomes a more paletteable solution for virus removal. A hassle for sure, but format and start over again becomes an option that results in no loss other than the pain of having to reinstall everything.
Windows defender is the best you can get at a reasonable price. But nothing is perfect, so don’t test fate.
Using emsisoft on 500 systems, works great.
Linux , then runt windooze in a VM if you need it.
I’m thinking on get a couple of pirated files, so i’d like to be as secure as possible.
These are mutually exclusive.
It is possible to take risks while reducing the possibility of a bad outcome or mitigating the consequences of said outcome
So they are not mutually exclusive then
that’s right
Try sandbox. Allows you to test in a safe® way
Thanks!
