Windows users have had a bit of a habit change after Microsoft started taking security of its flagship operating system as seriously as it should. The landscape was altogether different back in the days of good old Windows XP.
Obviously, Windows 8 already comes with built-in virus protection, and this, for many users seems to be more than enough protection — at least, according to these October statistics provided by OPSWAT.
The numbers reveal that Windows Defender is by far the leading security product used by users on Windows 8. Users apparently feel that it provides good enough protection to locally stored files from online threats and various forms of malware.
While the notion above is a fair bit debatable, but for most users, it seems to provide a peace of mind.
The second and third positions on the Windows 8 list are occupied by Avast! Free Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security respectively, while ESET Smart Security and Avira Free Antivirus are also popular choices among the Windows 8 user base.
Anyway, onto the side of Windows 7, Avast! Free Antivirus is the number one choice, but Microsoft Security Essentials is not that far behind — it is as neck and neck as it gets.
And finally well over 20 percent of Windows XP users are running this same Security Essentials application. Avira Free Antivirus is the second most popular choice here. The reason that most Windows XP users want a lightweight solution for their old hardware is probably at play here.
