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Just wondering if anyone here is using Windows 8, if so what browser are you using? I have a lot of annoying addons and other quirks. Also, what virus protection software are you using?

Google Chrome, Ad-Aware and AdBlock. Chrome uses a lot less resources than IE.

I use Windows 8.1 (it was a free update from Windows 8).
My primary web browser is Chrome with "AdBlock Plus" and "Bookmarks Menu". As Raven said it's a resource hog, but on my main computer it's not a problem.

For Virus protection I use the one included with Windows 8 called "Windows Defender". It updates it self in the background, and I've never had a problem. Vista was likely the last time one of my computers caught a virus.

8.1 and I still don't like windows. I use chrome, and avast right now, usually use AVG free.

I use a netbook and the side bar keeps coming up on me when I'm playing a game full screen.

8.1, Chrome with Adblock Plus, and Windows Defender.

Firefox, adblock plus, malwarebytes

Well being one who usually does NOT like change, AND having an IT son who likes to control your life, My computer miraculously had windows 8 on it one day when I booted it up ... and I was lost!!! Had to consult with Junior just to get me up & going Anyways he has it set up now and Chrome is the browser. Like others here, I also run Adblock Plus & a s h i t l o a d of other stuff that I haven't a clue what they do. It's sort of nice having built in IT support living in my house

tpollauf wrote:Well being one who usually does NOT like change, AND having an IT son who likes to control your life, My computer miraculously had windows 8 on it one day when I booted it up ... and I was lost!!! Had to consult with Junior just to get me up & going Anyways he has it set up now and Chrome is the browser. Like others here, I also run Adblock Plus & a s h i t l o a d of other stuff that I haven't a clue what they do. It's sort of nice having built in IT support living in my house

my wife loves it also, i been tinkering with computers since I was 16. I always get called to help family and neighbors with their problems. Nothing wrong with being a big geek

Awesome quick responses everyone. So I will ditch IE for chrome or Mozilla. Just running a small notebook for school right now only 2gs of RAM so I'm trying to get the most out of it. Currently have the free trial of Norton but I believe its using a large amount of memory when compared to other protection. I plan to invest in ad block or whatever and have had good experience with avg. Thanks all!

Alright, I've made the switch to Chrome, what an improvement! no more stupid hyperlinks and related search bar when I haven't searched anything. I am in the process of downloading the Windows 8.1 update and have a month left on my Norton antivirus so ill run that out before I purchase new software. Thanks again for advice, if anyone has any more opinions regarding Windows 8 and its features I'd love to discuss them !

Chrome is definitely better than any version IE will throw in..

and just for the lulz...

I'm using Chrome as a browser, and just Malwarebytes (but the professional version *magical finger wiggles and "ooooo" noises*

Windows 8.1 is making me die a little on the inside with each passing day. I don't know how determined I am to tough it out, I may have to "downgrade" back to 7 because it has to reload every file in the directory if I close "My PC" and then reopen.

lannvouivre wrote: I may have to "downgrade" back to 7 because it has to reload every file in the directory if I close "My PC" and then reopen.

NEGATIVE ........ If you have windows 8, there is a way to have the look and operation of windows 7 on your desktop. My son has my 'puter set up as such so I can still plug along as if it were genuine windows 7 but is actually windows 8. Not sure how he did it but there is a way and it does work Hitting the "Microsoft window" key on my keyboard (yeah I still operate on a desktop!) will switch it from win 8 to win 7 (and vise versa)

I realize this thread is already kinda old, but Classic Shell is the answer to your Windoze 8/8.1 woes.
http://www.classicshell.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


That and Firefox and/or Chrome will give you a Windows 7-like environment while still preserving/enhancing the Windows 8/8.1 performance improvements.


I bought my current windows 8 pc a year and a half ago, the first and only time I used IE was to download Chrome, then I used that to download Firefox and Classic Shell.

I am using Windows 8 and I hate it. It came with my computer when I bought it new. My son said he would download Windows 7 but my wife and I were not able to get over to see him. I think I found someone else that might change it for me. I use Avast anti virus and like it very much. I've used it for years and never had a problem with it and it does a great job protecting y computer. It's also free.