Microsoft Takes on the Scammers

That's all well and good but a significant portion of users don't use Defender. It's usually disabled by default when you use a 3rd part A/V program. It's the 3rd party developers that need to incorporate that into their software.

"I've been critical of Defender in the past, but it seems to have improved greatly, and has some compelling new features."

That reads like damning with faint praise, Bob. I prefer for you to come right out and say what you mean.

Is there any connection between this and Windows Defender telling me Malwarebytes is turned off when it really isn't?

I do not like Defender, I cannot remove from my system, and I use Kaspersky Internet Security Suite 2018. Part of Defender is disabled, but some of it is still running.

Frankly, I am not impressed. Sorry, but I want to know why Microsoft hasn't done this, a couple of decades ago???

I have been "hit" by these types of bogus programs, since I first started going on the Internet, back in 1997. Do I get them everyday? No, but often enough that it does make me mad.

Microsoft has given a hoot about all of the security issues, since the beginning of Windows, MS Office and the like. Otherwise, MS would have updated the OSs as soon as possible, instead of waiting for others to tell them what to do.

I have had Anti-Virus/Malware coverage since 1998. The first program I used was Zone Alarm and I had Ad-Aware by Lavasoft. Both of these programs were Free and they only wanted a donation, at that time. Things have changed a lot, since then.

My next product was AVG, the Free version and it worked diligently for almost 8 years before I purchased the Pro version. Then AVG started taking too much resources, I found aVast! (that is the way it was first titled, okay?) and used the Free version for about 7 years before I purchased the Paid version.

In the past few months, I became concerned about Avast. I really didn't like all of the advertising that it would do, especially since I had the Paid version. It was time to renew and I began looking for another A/V program. I had been a customer of Avast for a long time and in my renewal, there was NO discount or special pricing. When a company does this, I feel like I am being "stabbed in the back."

I tried a couple of different A/V products, finally selecting Bitdefender Total Security 2018 for 5 devices and 3 years! I felt that I got a really good deal. I am completely amazed that Bitdefender does NOT take a lot of resources! It simply works and works quietly in the background. I am happy with my choice.

Bob, you and several of your readers may not agree with me. However, this has been my experience. I have also learned how to recognize a potential bad program, early enough to do some good. I may not be a certified Geek, but I am a Geek none the less.

I can't begin to express my gratitude to you, Bob. . .For all of your articles in the past 2+ decades. What I have learned from you is immeasurable and you just keep on giving wonderful information to learn from. Thanks, Bob once again for all that you do for your readers.

My understanding of Windows Defender in Windows 10 is as follows: it is by default the AV app in the OS. If you install a 3rd party AV and/or anti-malware app such as Malwarebytes, etc., then Windows Defender "promotes itself" as the "security supervisor" to monitor that the 3rd party apps do their jobs. Yes, it is unremovable and I agree, it is pretty good alone also.

I totally agree with MmeMoxie!!!

I HAVE GONE THROUGH MOST OF THE SAME PROGRAMS.

i AM CURRENTLY USING Windows Defender in Win7.

Takes up few resources, is always updated, and catches a few things now and then, and doesn't keep flooding you with worthless crap on your screen.
I have other programs that I run weekly and monthly.
You can't rely on just one program, you need an arsenal.

Thanks for the good work Bob!!

It is not clear in you article if the user will have a choice of whether to keep the program or not. You say they will automatically remove the program. Does that mean with or without approval by the user? If there is no user choice involved, that's the end of my use of Windows Defender. Microsoft tries to make too many choices for us as it is. I would think that it is only a matter of time for Microsoft competitor programs to start appearing on the bad list. I think Windows Defender is the best, just as it is.

what is your opinion of P C Matic i have had it for 18 months american made product

It would be wonderful if Microsoft could share this particular technology with all the other major, legitimate anti-virus and anti-malware makers, so that everyone could play on the same page, regarding computer security.

I never see any evaluations or comments about System Mechanic by iolo or their new Phoenix360. Are they one of the good guys or bad guys? I have used them for years without any problems that I am aware of.

i really don't have much trust in microsft and their bias!

Microsoft's initiative is most welcome. Now, although not quite directly related to computing, my prayer is that somebody will come out with a way to effectively and completely block nuisance, scam, robo-, and other intolerably intrusive phone calls.

George,
I have had good results using TeleZapper. They run abt $20 on Ebay. Phone rings once.

I was nearly fooled by TotalAV. When I attempted to download TotalAV, it was immediately blocked and quarantined by both AVG and Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes, in fact, branded TotalAV "dangerous" and automatically rebooted my laptop to finalize its removal.