Installing Bitdefender

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

My partner has acquired Bitdefender and I can use it as well. It has a cleaning facility I need.

Do I need to disable Avast or Windows Defender to use it?

Do I need to disable them merely to use the cleaning facility?
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Jim Fogle · From: North Carolina, Winston-Salem, USA

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

I personally never disable Windows Defender after installing another anti-virus program. Defender being part of Microsoft and Windows is usually the first to receive updates for zero day exploits targeting the Windows OS. While this may not always be the case, it is worth it to leave it alone just in case. I use it along side of Malwarebytes and trust them both.

In fact, there are some people and companies who only rely upon Defender.

As for cleaning my PC, I use CCleaner to do that, manually. I have it as a right click option on my recycle bin. Just before I shut down the PC, I run CCleaner to empty temporary files and browser caches. I do NOT let it touch the Windows Registry! CCleaner is only useful if you know what you are doing with it. Otherwise, it can harm your computer if misconfigured.
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Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I only use Defender and malwarebytes.

Programs that offer registry cleaning or "speed up" many times do more harm than good.

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Thank you, gentlemen. I'll bear these things in mind as I move forward.

I use CCleaner regularly, but still the 'puter is really bogged down. I don't know how much harm a cleaning facility could be.
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

Jim Kennedy · From: Brentwood California, USA

How old is the computer and what MS operating sysintem?? Older systems running windows 7, 8, and 10 eventually get to the point where they bog down. The hardware just can't keep up with changes in software. Current software is written to take advantage of the latest hardware advances. With the end of Windows 10 support, Windows 11 is in our near future. Most computers 5 years and older will not be able to update to Windows 11.
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Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

It's a Win 10 64-bit system with 4 gig RAM.

I'm starting to see where this goes with a waning OS, and time to upgrade.

Thanks again, all.
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

Jim Fogle · From: North Carolina, Winston-Salem, USA

Charlie,

I agree with Wiz that an inexpensive way to improve computer performance is to add additional random access memory or ram for short.

While some of the 64 bit Windows operating systems are capable of using up to 2 TB of ram, Windows 10 Home has a built-in limit of 128GB of ram. However, your computer motherboard may have a much lower limit of 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of ram. If you want to keep the ram that is already in your computer then the ram you add needs to match the ram you have.

Because there are so many different considerations, I use the utility programs by Crucial, a memory manufacturer.

The advisor suggests upgrades after you tell your computer specifications.

The downloadable program examines what ram is on the computer, how much ram the computer motherboard can handle and then offers products that will match your existing hardware.

I've used the Crucial online program for years and the advice has always been good. Crucial is a mainline memory manufacturer and their products come with a lifetime warranty. Finally, whatever memory you purchase ships with instructions on how to install the memory.

https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/is-my-ram-compatible-with-my-motherboard
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Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

I also use Crucial, namely Ballistix RAM. I always buy it in matched pairs. I think the OP would benefit from getting a 16 GB or 32 gb kit of two sticks losing the 4 gigs on the board.
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"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog

Jim Fogle · From: North Carolina, Winston-Salem, USA

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Crucial is what we recommend on the Dell support forums for non-Dell branded memory. Dell's have a long history of compatibility issues with non-Dell branded memory. Crucial is guaranteed to work in a Dell.

32GB of RAM is overkill except for specific applications. My recording studio desktop has 16GB RAM and I've never used over 8GB (total) on a memory intensive recording program (or any application).

An SSD over a mechanical hard drive is the best bang for the buck.

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Gentlemen: I'm feeling an embarrassment of riches about all the responses. Bitdefender would be free to me; there aren't funds available
beyond free. My uses for my computer are banking and visiting the Forum, and it gets around fast enough for that.
It only took a second after I pressed 'post reply' for the page to change. As my Dad said, "What's time to a hog?"

I have probably reached the Peter Principle when it comes to computers. Nonetheless, I've read the replies and greatly appreciate your attention.
Given that I'm using Win 10, have the deficiencies you've stated, and that I have a broken headphone jack, a new laptop would be the way to go.

But I must say: given my measly knowledge and requirements, it's a wonderful thing to be able to ask this Forum
such a small thing and get back so much. Truly humbling and embarrassing, but we're here because, in part, someone else could benefit.
This is the greatest place in the virtual world. Nowhere else could one find so many thoughtful responses for one to consider.

Thank you for your considerations.
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

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