Mini PC,Win 10, only has small storage ,can I add Antivirus.

[worgeordie]

I have a mini PC coming,it has Win 10 already installed,is Windows anti virus good enough ?

or could I install Emsisoft anti malware (this is the antiVirus i have used for years,without

any problems,infections etc) it only has 32 GB eMMc storage ? Windows firewall will be OK

i think..

I have tried Googling to see if anyone has installed alternative antivrus, but nothing has

turned up,but I am sure one of you very knowledgeable guys on here will be able to help.

regards worgeordie

[Tywais]

I have Avast on my Android phone which has only 32GB storage so it doesn't take up that much space.

[aarn]

Windows Defender is default anti-virus for Win10

I am a linux person but have win10 partition

Defender seems to work well

[RichCor]

Is this a Full Blown Windows 10 -32/-64 bit installation, or Windows 10 IoT Core?

Are you planning on having the HTPC connected to the Internet, and... doing what exactly?

Some connected devices don't need anything beyond the basic of security software (many or most android and iOS devices), especially if the entire OS and application suite can be reset and reloaded easily enough. We generally don't worry about pure media playback devices.

An HTPC is fairly well protected when behind a home router/gateway from most people blindly trying to take it over.

Where the concern lays, and where additional security software is desired, is when the device is used to, or programmed to, 'pull in' data over the Internet from not always known or potentially untrustworthy sources. You really have to worry about what the HTPC 'invites' BACK IN when it goes out and requests things. So, using it for web browsing (java and javascripts are issues), downloading files, downloading/uploading torrent files, Kodi-style media players running automatic updates, etc. is a risk because who knows what will be returned ...and in the case of automatic updates, get installed.

If you've make a full backup of your memory card, and again after you have is set up the way you want, then the card contents can be easily overwritten and restored to previous condition (at time of initial backup). So there's that comfort.

While there's the potential of someone turning your HTPC into a 'bot' run by a remote control and command server, this isn't very likely unless you're careless about where you get and open your media for playback.

Also, every time you install another 'layer' of software (antivirus, security suite, etc), you'll slow the functionality of the unit down and cause it to use more power. Only add what you can afford. It's a trade-off.

Edited August 20, 2015 by RichCor

[worgeordie]

Is this a Full Blown Windows 10 -32/-64 bit installation, or Windows 10 IoT Core?

Are you planning on having the HTPC connected to the Internet, and... doing what exactly?

Some connected devices don't need anything beyond the basic of security software (many or most android and iOS devices), especially if the entire OS and application suite can be reset and reloaded easily enough. We generally don't worry about pure media playback devices.

An HTPC is fairly well protected when behind a home router/gateway from most people blindly trying to take it over.

Where the concern lays, and where additional security software is desired, is when the device is used to, or programmed to, 'pull in' data over the Internet from not always known or potentially untrustworthy sources. You really have to worry about what the HTPC 'invites' BACK IN when it goes out and requests things. So, using it for web browsing (java and javascripts are issues), downloading files, downloading/uploading torrent files, Kodi-style media players running automatic updates, etc. is a risk because who knows what will be returned ...and in the case of automatic updates, get installed.

If you've make a full backup of your memory card, and again after you have is set up the way you want, then the card contents can be easily overwritten and restored to previous condition (at time of initial backup). So there's that comfort.

While there's the potential of someone turning your HTPC into a 'bot' run by a remote control and command server, this isn't very likely unless you're careless about where you get and open your media for playback.

Also, every time you install another 'layer' of software (antivirus, security suite, etc), you'll slow the functionality of the unit down and cause it to use more power. Only add what you can afford. It's a trade-off.

All I know its Win 10 Bing KTE?,I will just be using it to play around with really,streaming movies,series,bit of surfing ,nothing

that could cause problems,i think.

Do you think windows defender would be up to the job?,I can add up to 512 GB via SD and you can connect external hard drive.

The mini pc is a MeLe PCG03, I have several of these mini PC s or Nettops,its a bit of a hobby,the smallest one is a Compulab FIT 2i

about the size of a pack of playing cards,

thanks for the help ,regards Worgeordie

[RichCor]

I see two risks:

1. The device might be exploited directly by surfing, installing unknown third-party features (or media drivers), or infected by Trojan media files;

2. With the above, the device might become a spybot under the control of a third-party, and a launch point into any other LAN connected device.

If you're careful about where you get your 'media' from, and

you quickly set up your system the way you like it and create MASTER BACKUP IMAGE, and

RESTORE to that image every so often (or when issues arise) then I wouldn't worry at all.

If you surf 'regular' websites then Windows Defender will be enough.

If you go outside of the 'regular'l websites then something with better detection would be advisable.

If you surf porn sites, or download porn, then you are doomed, Doomed! Nothing will or can protect you.

[worgeordie]

I added Emsisoft Anti Malware on the PC,and disabled Windows defender,

everything went OK,added some other apps,Ccleaner,Networx,Revo unistaller,

Eusing Reg Cleaner,Kodi 15,Restore point creator,Winpatrol Pro,,I think thats

all I need to add,and have about 10 GB free on the eMMc drive.

Windows 10,seems OK,but I feel there are some things that I will disable,or remove

that I don't like,the main thing all those tiles in start up,the MelE PCGo3 is running

very well,nippy for what it is,its fan less but only gets a little warm to the touch. so

far very pleased with it.surprisingly the WiFi is also very good.

Richcor, thanks for the help,

regards Worgeordie

[speedtripler]

I see two risks:

1. The device might be exploited directly by surfing, installing unknown third-party features (or media drivers), or infected by Trojan media files;

2. With the above, the device might become a spybot under the control of a third-party, and a launch point into any other LAN connected device.

If you're careful about where you get your 'media' from, and

you quickly set up your system the way you like it and create MASTER BACKUP IMAGE, and

RESTORE to that image every so often (or when issues arise) then I wouldn't worry at all.

If you surf 'regular' websites then Windows Defender will be enough.

If you go outside of the 'regular'l websites then something with better detection would be advisable.

If you surf porn sites, or download porn, then you are doomed, Doomed! Nothing will or can protect you.

Lol, porn sites are not all created equal

The reputable ones like pornhub etc are fine and will not break your pc or smartphone