When Windows decided to include an Anti-virus with its Windows 8 Operating System there were mixed reactions among consumers and analysts alike. Some hailed the move as being very bold, timely and consumer-driven especially given the fact that the number of virus attacks have sprung up sporadically in the recent years hampering the consumer’s experience of their computers’ abilities. Others claimed that due to the fact that viruses continue to evolve and new Anti-viruses have to be made to counter their attacks, the Windows 8 Anti-virus could not be in a position to offer the kind of defense one really needed. Whatever the case, it is true however, that any kind of virus protection out there is highly appreciated especially with those whose livelihood is dependent on the smooth functioning of their computers.
As it gains its commanding reputation in the market, the Windows 8 Anti-virus is fast becoming a favorite and any frequent computer user is bound to benefit by at least knowing how to access and use it. Also known as the Windows defender, the Windows 8 Anti-virus can be accessed through the control panel of the computer. Once in the control panel, one should look for the Windows Defender icon and double click on it. On the menu, one will clearly see the tabs for Home, Updates, History & Settings with other options below each tab selected.
The home tab contains three scan options which are: a quick scan, full scan and custom scan. One can chose any of these options as desired and proceed to hit the “scan now” button right below the scan options. It is important to note that a quick scan is usually the fastest and most selected of all options in this menu. The “Help” button is also present here with a very visible drop-down menu that one can’t miss. It contains very helpful information especially for beginners or first timers in the field of virus cleaning.
The “Update” tab contains information on the recent updates of the Windows 8 Anti-virus. It shows the nature of the last updates and a rubber stamp of the date and time in which these updates were made. The Anti-virus updates your spyware definitions automatically to help protect your PC from the recent as well as the old versions of malicious software. The “History” tab gives a historical account of the Anti-virus’s activities in the computer from quarantined files to the threats detected and removed from the computer.
The “Settings” tab contains the option for selecting real time protection while the computer is being used. This real time protection is highly recommended by the Anti-virus software developers, and can be selected by clicking the radio button next to it. Depending on the number and size of files in one’s computer, the virus scan can take a considerable amount of time; hence, it should be planned for in order to prevent any inconveniences. It is also possible to cancel the whole virus scan once it is initiated by simply clicking on the “Cancel Scan” button right next to the status bar showing the rate at which the scanning is taking place.
If one should run into any issues with the Windows 8 anti-virus or any software, if Microsoft are hard to get hold of, the Geek Squad tech support team is always a good alternative. Their support team is always ready to help in these matters through online chat, over the phone, in their store or in the home of the client if they choose to do so. Their unlimited 24/7 tech support will cover one’s PC, Mac or Tablet no matter where it was bought or when they bought them. They also offer unlimited virus removal and troubleshooting as well as increase the speed of the home PC at no additional cost. Another advantage is that Geek Squad tech support can do all these with their remote access to anyone’s PC which significantly cuts down on the downtime.
This is a guest post by Stacey Barton, he writes professionally and for fun across a wide range of niches with particular attention to how classic brands like Geek Squad can continue to offer the same product for decades and somehow survive the turbulent and ever changing consumer market.
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Hello Stacey,
Glad to see you have written an updated post on Windows 8 Antivirus. Well, I am not using Windows 8 at the moment and very much satisfied with Windows 7 and using the Quick Heal Total Security. It keeps my computer secure and safe.
Regards,
Amrik!
@Desmond, thanks for bringing this great tips into our notice. Thanks.
Windows 8 is awesome, you just have to try it out.
You are welcome Jamiu, thanks for your comment.
Hello Mavtrvor,
I love this post and it is worth sharing bro. I have two system; one run on windows 8 and the other windows 7 but i am using AVG business edition and i am loving every bit of that antivirus. But i am sure a lot of people who use free anivirus would really love this article. thanks
Great share! I bookmarked it for future use.
Am like Amrik using Wiindows 7 with Quick Heal Total Security for my laptop and it is working very well.
Neat post by the guest blogger, thanks for sharing it :)
this is truly a comprehnsive post mate , it’s really awesome , I’m NOT a windows8 user but I still find your ost cool
thanks for sharing brother :D
Nwosu,
I will bookmark this now! Many thanks for sharing.
Windows 8 can run on its default Windows Defender even without another anti-virus program installed on it.
Thanks Nirmala, When are you upgrading to Windows 8? You are missing out from its awesome apps, there are a lot bloggers like us can use and make our blogging experience even better. Check out my Top 10 Windows 8 apps for Bloggers here http://netmediablog.com/top-10-windows-8-apps-for-bloggers
Windows 8 is getting popular you have to join the train now so you can get used to its features and shortcuts.
Thanks Oluwaseun Babajide, i hope you find the post very useful soon.
More in depth insight here. My AV needs an update, so this is timely.
Thanks Stacey!
Thanks Ryan….for your comment.
I’m still using Windows 7 and Avast Antivirus in it. I was attracted to Windows 8 but when I learned that it is better focused for touch devices, I stayed with default operating system of my PC.
Good thing to note that Microsoft incorporated Antivirus in its Windows. Microsoft has repeatedly failed to provide good antivirus. Will this new effort bring some relief? What if we again need to go for another antivirus product? Is there an option to disable Windows Antivirus feature?
Yes you can and even if it is active you wont even know because its very silent and yes you can use it together with another anti-virus program. I use it alongside Bitdefender on my PC.
Hi Mavtrevor,
Useful information ! im not using windows 8 but this post really useful for users. thanks for sharing keep up your good work doing
Thanks for your comment
being affected from the various virus attacks have always been a great problem for any of the windows operating systems.
This is a bold move from microsoft. Updating it quite often may work well.
-Yogesh
Yes Yogesh, Microsoft in a bid to keep our computers safe from virus have decided to inculcate a good anti virus program on their OS.
This is a great tip I must confess. Some PC users who are new to this OS have out of annoyance un-installed the anti-virus that follows the PC at brand, simply because they don’t know much about it, and how I wish they have seen this before then!
Thanks for your contribution. Always visit Netmediablog.
Really nice article and good topic to discuss. I just found this blog interesting and knowledgeable.
Thanks for your compliment hope you visit often.
Very well written post on virus removal.This article shares the perfect information on Virus problem.