Windows 8

[bmcecosse]

Had to buy my dear lady a new laptop (seemingly, I broke her old one...) and it comes with Windows 8. Does anyone know if there is a built-in Windows Anti-virus I can activate - and if so - is it any good??? As ever - any advice much appreciated!

[beero]

Search for Microsoft Security Essentials, free to download, supplied by Microsoft so it SHOULD be compatible, don't know about Windows 8 though.

[bmcecosse]

Thanks Beero....the whole Windows 8 thing is a mystery.... The laptop comes with McAfee pre-installed for 3 months...then I suspect all H3ll will break loose unless we pay up. I had a look - and no mention of Security Essentials (or Defender as I think it is sometimes named??)... will it be there somewhere - or will it need a download, do you think?

[katy]

You can download free anti-virus at: http://free.avg.com/ca-en/homepage
Also there is a free anti-malware at: https://www.malwarebytes.org/
I believe there's also lots of other free ones.

[tysonn]

Windows 8,another MS flop along with ME and Vista.Get rid and put 7 on it!

[MarkyB]

I think there is a key combination to get rid of the nursery buttons look and get it back to looking likw Windows.

Or use software;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D801aECHRTU

[tysonn]

LOL!They spend millions developing a new OS and then have to release a patch that makes it user friendly like the previous one!Thats not the only big booboo though its the stuff that carries on working unseen in the background that eventually grinds it almost to a halt!PC world are making a fortune with all the people bringing their machines in to stop them running.Google "was windows 8 a flop" for the stats.

[chickenjohn]

LOL!They spend millions developing a new OS and then have to release a patch that makes it user friendly like the previous one!Thats not the only big booboo though its the stuff that carries on working unseen in the background that eventually grinds it almost to a halt!PC world are making a fortune with all the people bringing their machines in to stop them running.Google "was windows 8 a flop" for the stats.

That's why I'm typing this on an Apple computer!

[mike.perry]

Downloaded 8.1. MISTAKE!!! Things keep disappearing.What has happened to Internet Explorer???????
It has been all downhill since Windows XP

[tysonn]

Absolutely correct!!!!!!Thats why I'm still using it.In most cases the only reason people upgrade to a new OS(even when the old one works so well)is because the y THINK they need it.MS have made their fortune out of this mistaken idea.We all adhere to the "if it aint broke dont fix it" idea with our old cars so why be any different with computers?

[MarkyB]

I'd say the main reason people change is the same as Mrs BMC, new computers come with the new OS.

[tysonn]

Well not most people.Admitted you can't buy a comp without it on(not the average consumer anyway)but plenty buy it in disk form to "upgrade" their machine.

[les]

Windows 8---hard work! Every time you see a computer on the tv, it's an Apple, pity they're not good value.

[chickenjohn]

They are good value Les. Not cheap yes, but if you spec a PC laptop to the same as for example a Macbook Pro it comes out as a simmilar cost. They are pricey because they are very well made with top spec components. Oh and the best operating system around, certainly a lot better to use than Windoze...

I have seen this happen to some of my friends, they get an Iphone, really like that, then an iPad and finally take the plunge and get an Apple computer.

[lambrettalad]

Apple are great value ,they do not freeze like windows,get bunged up ,slow down, and crash (like explorer),need 4 million patches etc,my last expensive ps's have not lasted beyond 18 -24 months ,and getting worse every day.This mac was expensive but add the two pc's together they cost more !

Also works great with my iPhone and iPad .It has it's weird and wonderful moments but ,quality is 100%

[les]

Agreed the o s is doubtless better but worth the extra, maybe I have been thinking about the Ipad, instead of this laptop. Seems to do most things.

[chickenjohn]

Yes, a full sized iPad is very nice to use, provided you can get used to touch screen and no keyboard and mouse. I like having the keyboard and mouse for typing etc word documents.

[les]

Yes the keyboard is something I'd miss..

[beero]

Roy, Windows Security Essentials won't be on your laptop. You will have to download it from the Microsoft website.
I have used it on XP and 7 with no problems but not on win 8.
It doesn't see to slow down the pc as much as AVG, McAfee or Norton.

[millerman]

Apple fan boys