does a windows 8.1 tablet require an antivirus/antispyware program?

Question

I am helping a friend with setting up a Dell Venue 8 tablet. It has Windows 8.1. My friend seems to think that it requires antivirus protection.

I honestly did not know the answer to this. I thought the security model for tablets is a little better than PC OS, but I wasn't sure.

I know that the tablet's default browser is IE, so that sends shivers up my spine from a security-standpoint.

Assuming that most of the apps you use come mainly from the app store, would it be necessary to still buy an antivirus utility? is any antivirus fine, or are there tablet-specific security suites? Thanks.

Solution

The Dell Venue 8 pro is a normal x86 device so you can install any AV suite you want although it comes with Windows Defender, which replaces Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) under Windows 8. I personally use Avast Free on my Toshiba Encore Tablet because Defender is extremely slow and I had issues with updating the virus signatures.

Comments

[Ramhound]

Why are you talking about Windows RT when the question was about Windows 8.1?