[Alex Ethridge]

I am using BetDefender 10, the free version. When I check its settings, it says "Real-time protection is not available". To me, this means BitDefender does nothing unless I tell it to scan my system.

Is this what it actually means?

[Elvandil]

Yes, I would say that is it. Usually, free versions have no real-time protection. Sometimes, the free ones will not remove threats, either, though they can still be useful to people who know how to remove them themselves. But Task Manager ought to tell you if it is running.

[Alex Ethridge]

If that's the case, BitDefender Free is a complete waste of time.

[atnskyline]

that is exactly what it means. if you want real time, you have to pay. try avast home. its free nad has full real time and full on demand scanning, auto updates and boottime scanning. its the best, better than paid.

[Alex Ethridge]

Thanks but I've already reloaded Norton Antivirus. I'll give Avast a try on another of my machines.

[atnskyline]

np, and if i were you, ditch the bit defender!

[hewee]

Sorry I forgot about that Alex Ethridge in the other thread but that was some years back I had bit defender and I only used it as a 2nd AV so only wanted it to run when I wanted to so it worked out great for that.
Guess your have to try another now.

[Alex Ethridge]

Sorry I forgot

Don't feel bad; I made a mistake once, myself.

[hewee]

Well I will not feel bad. Keep in mine it is I guess still a good 2nd AV just to have another to do scans on your own with if you want one.

Guess you can try out Avast like we was saying.