From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

I do not use a VPN, so I'll only answer the last question. No,
Microsoft Defender Antivrus (and associated Windows Security components)
should be sufficient for most everybody.

Other antivirus products give their users nice fuzzy feelings by
giving all kinds of - mostly unnecessary/irrelevant - popups and
messages ("I *paid* for it, so *tell* me it works!"). OTOH, Microsoft
Defender Antivrus Just Works (TM) and only warns you if there's a real problem/threat.

FYI, I used to use avast! Free Antivirus, but switched to Microsoft
Defender Antivrus when that became a mature antivirus product, a long
time ago.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 2026-02-14 14:44, Frank Slootweg wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

I do not use a VPN, so I'll only answer the last question. No,
Microsoft Defender Antivrus (and associated Windows Security components) should be sufficient for most everybody.

[...]

FYI, I used to use avast! Free Antivirus, but switched to Microsoft Defender Antivrus when that became a mature antivirus product, a long
time ago.

I also use Microsoft Defender, but also have the free version of MB
installed, which I use occasionally to scan any downloads I'm suspicious of.
--

Fake news kills!

I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website: www.macfh.co.uk

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Sat, 2/14/2026 8:55 AM, micky wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

The expense to the provider, of operating a VPN, depends on what
people do with it.

For example, the largest file I ever downloaded, was 61GB.
If I had, at the time, engaged a commercial VPN, what would
it cost the provider in transit fees (Level3 corporation transport) ?
It would be $0.03 * 61 = $1.83 . If I did that all month long,
downloaded a 61GB file over VPN, that would be $55 for the month.

If you charge me $3.49 for the VPN-month, and I cost you $55 while I am
using it, I think your business is in serious trouble.

However, a big company measures an "average usage" per day of the VPN.
Maybe the users only engage a VPN while watching Netflix or something.
It is the "periodic" usage of VPN that makes providing the service
cheaper. Not much purpose is served, downloading 61GB files over a VPN.

If they wanted to, a VPN could charge like a utility, and charge
$0.03 per gigabyte, and bill you at the end of the month. But the
monthly bill might be too small to bill for.

It all depends, on how you abuse it. And whether the VPN company
in question, actually caps usage on a per-day basis or not.

As for the effectiveness of VPNs, there is a subscription service
available to companies not wanting their users to use VPNs, that
can be used to block a VPN connection. Netflix doesn't have to work
over a VPN, as Netflix is likely to have one of the most
comprehensive block-lists of VPN nodes.

Netflix does not serve bytes, from a central node. ISP data centers
have a Netflix pod, with cached content on it. A lot of the
Netflix bytes, are served without transit fees for every byte served.
By serving from the building two miles from my place, the cost
to the ISP for supporting Netflix is "zero". Whereas who knows
where a Youtube video comes from.

*******

Some companies do not provision their own VPN service. They buy the
service from others. It's possible the Mozilla VPN is that way
(Mozilla effectively being s re-seller of a service). There is no
particular reason that Malwarebytes has set up rental nodes of their
own in Paraguay, when some other established VPN could do it for them.

When you buy a Duracell USB stick at the department store, how
much "Duracell" input is there ? None at all. Duracell has
no record of that stick, as they only sell their name for
the purpose. Just because a name appears on an item, their
contribution functionally can be a big fat zero.

If you ask me, as you have done, "is a Duracell USB stick good?",
we don't know who actually made the USB stick, and an evaluation
of that no-name company would be needed.

The main thing to watch for VPNs, is when they provide the service "for free". They are more likely to be profiting from your information
stream, if they're not charging you. Billing people is supposed
to be a indicator they are legit (which of course is meaningless).
But at least you know if someone offers you a VPN for nothing,
then something dodgy is going on.

Paul
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

micky wrote on 2/14/2026 6:55 AM:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

For your skill level(based on your past history of questions) why not
just use Edge's built in free VPN service(Edge Secure Network).
- encrypts browsing traffic and masks your IP address to enhance
privacy on public Wi-Fi.
- 5 GB of free data per month
- MSFT account required
- When needed can be activated it' UI elipsis...the "Three-dot menu"
Settings>Privacy, search, and services>Security>Use Microsoft Edge
Secure Network
=> Multiple configuration options available
e.g. 3 basic levels - Select sites, Optimized(default setting), All
sites, and additionally user choice options to add for specific sites(use
or never use).

Optionally for Chrome(Google) you can investigate the available and
supported installable extensions(free or fee based).
--
...w-i|#-o-#-n|#
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Sun, 2/15/2026 4:14 AM, Daniel70 wrote:

On 15/02/2026 12:55 am, micky wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year.-a I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

Sorry!! WHAT?? $3.49/month or 3 months would be $39 .... doesn't seem to add up (nearly a full years cost for a quarter of the year!!).

https://www.malwarebytes.com/vpn

Privacy VPN only

Start with our standalone VPN for borderless and private internet connection

Starting at $39.99/yr.

It's because it is available for a one year subscription.
As the other option is to bundle their AV+VPN for a higher price (one year subscription).

Paul


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 16/02/2026 12:06 am, Paul wrote:

On Sun, 2/15/2026 4:14 AM, Daniel70 wrote:

On 15/02/2026 12:55 am, micky wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is *$3.49/month, or 42/a year* .-a I think other >>> VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, *3 months would be $39* .

Sorry!! WHAT?? $3.49/month or 3 months would be $39 .... doesn't seem to add up (nearly a full years cost for a quarter of the year!!).

https://www.malwarebytes.com/vpn

Privacy VPN only

Start with our standalone VPN for borderless and private internet connection

Starting at $39.99/yr.

It's because it is available for a one year subscription.
As the other option is to bundle their AV+VPN for a higher price (one year subscription).

Paul

Yes, Sure, AV+VPN might cost a few dollars more ($42/year) but why does
the OP indicate the ExpressVPN costs $3.49/month (about $42/year) or $39
for three months (whilst travelling)??
--
Daniel70
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

What exactly do you want a VPN for? There are plenty of free ones available which might be enough for your needs.

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:11:24 -0700,
...wi+o#n+ <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote:

micky wrote on 2/14/2026 6:55 AM:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

For your skill level(based on your past history of questions) why not
just use Edge's built in free VPN service(Edge Secure Network).

Didn't know about it, sounds good but I think it will not work while I'm
using Firefox, which I use 98% of the time? I suspect not, because for
some reason MS wants to encourage you to use Edge. I've tried Edge and
Chrome and each has advantages, but FF has a couple features that make
me like it more. I don't think I can give it up.

- encrypts browsing traffic and masks your IP address to enhance
privacy on public Wi-Fi.
- 5 GB of free data per month

I don't think I go over that.

- MSFT account required

Is that the Movimento Sociale Fiamma Tricolore, a neo-fascist Italian
political party? I'm opposed to fascism.

OTOH, if it's Microsoft, I do have an account.

- When needed can be activated it' UI elipsis...the "Three-dot menu"
Settings>Privacy, search, and services>Security>Use Microsoft Edge
Secure Network
=> Multiple configuration options available
e.g. 3 basic levels - Select sites, Optimized(default setting), All
sites, and additionally user choice options to add for specific sites(use
or never use).

Optionally for Chrome(Google) you can investigate the available and >supported installable extensions(free or fee based).

I've looked into a new free one for Firefox, in bata now, but it has disadvantages: by invitation only and it insists on a server within the
US (I guess if you are in the US to begin with.) I think there is an
older non-free one that doesn't have these limitations .

Thanks for your detailed answer.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:33:27 -0000 (UTC),
Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

I'm thinking the real cost to them is very low and including it will
increae sales of Malwarebytes, which has to be hurting since MSoft has
improved the built-in AV program. A review said it was missing some
features like a password handler, but I don't want that anyhow.

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

What exactly do you want a VPN for? There are plenty of free ones available >which might be enough for your needs.

Last time I went out of the country it was to a) watch a free movie on
the service my public library is connected to (but I never really had
time to watch a movie) and b) to listen to American web radio,
especially news, since there was no English language radio on the radio
in the rental car. My interest in news has waned, but not entirely. I
do need to hear some English, but I don't know/remmeber if youtube
videos were a problem without the VPN I eventually got.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:39:40 +1100, Daniel70 <daniel47@nomail.afraid.org> wrote:

On 16/02/2026 12:06 am, Paul wrote:

On Sun, 2/15/2026 4:14 AM, Daniel70 wrote:

On 15/02/2026 12:55 am, micky wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before >>>> and been satisfied with, is *$3.49/month, or 42/a year* .a I think other >>>> VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, *3 months would be $39* .

Sorry!! WHAT?? $3.49/month or 3 months would be $39 .... doesn't seem to add up (nearly a full years cost for a quarter of the year!!).

https://www.malwarebytes.com/vpn

Privacy VPN only

Start with our standalone VPN for borderless and private internet connection

Starting at $39.99/yr.

It's because it is available for a one year subscription.
As the other option is to bundle their AV+VPN for a higher price (one year subscription).

Paul

Yes, Sure, AV+VPN might cost a few dollars more ($42/year) but why does
the OP indicate the ExpressVPN costs $3.49/month (about $42/year) or $39
for three months (whilst travelling)??

Sorry, I mixed two companies in consecutive sentences without making it
clear. ExpressVPN is 13/month when buying by the month, and
Malwarebytes is 3.49 when buying by the year.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 2026-02-16 17:27, micky wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:33:27 -0000 (UTC),
Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

What exactly do you want a VPN for? There are plenty of free ones available >> which might be enough for your needs.

Last time I went out of the country it was to a) watch a free movie on
the service my public library is connected to (but I never really had
time to watch a movie) and b) to listen to American web radio,
especially news, since there was no English language radio on the radio
in the rental car. My interest in news has waned, but not entirely. I
do need to hear some English, but I don't know/remmeber if youtube
videos were a problem without the VPN I eventually got.

If you want to listen to the radio you could install in the phone apps
like Simple Radio, Open Radio, or Radioline. No VPN required. On the
laptop I use <https://streema.com/> (Simple Radio is from them)
--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:33:27 -0000 (UTC),
Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before
and been satisfied with, is $3.49/month, or 42/a year. I think other
VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and
had planned to just get it while traveling, 3 months would be $39.

But Malwarebytes is $60/year and you can add its VPN for just 20 more.

How come it's so cheap? Is it no good? Is it good but it doesn't work
for everyone? Is it good but it has some annoying problem?

I'm thinking the real cost to them is very low and including it will
increae sales of Malwarebytes, which has to be hurting since MSoft has improved the built-in AV program. A review said it was missing some features like a password handler, but I don't want that anyhow.

Do I even need malwarebytes when I have the one built in to windows 11?

What exactly do you want a VPN for? There are plenty of free ones available >> which might be enough for your needs.

Last time I went out of the country it was to a) watch a free movie on
the service my public library is connected to (but I never really had
time to watch a movie) and b) to listen to American web radio,
especially news, since there was no English language radio on the radio
in the rental car. My interest in news has waned, but not entirely. I
do need to hear some English, but I don't know/remmeber if youtube
videos were a problem without the VPN I eventually got.

If it's just 1 or 2 movies a month and some internet radio then the free
Tier (2GB) with TunnelBear is probably sufficient. A Canadian service -
hence the bears - I've used for years.

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

micky wrote on 2/16/2026 9:20 AM:

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:11:24 -0700, ...w-i|#-o-#-n|# <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote:

- MSFT account required

Is that the Movimento Sociale Fiamma Tricolore, a neo-fascist Italian political party? I'm opposed to fascism.

OTOH, if it's Microsoft, I do have an account.

MSFT => NASDAQ ticker symbol for Microsoft
--
...w-i|#-o-#-n|#
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 17/02/2026 3:27 am, micky wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-11, on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:39:40 +1100, Daniel70 <daniel47@nomail.afraid.org> wrote:

On 16/02/2026 12:06 am, Paul wrote:

On Sun, 2/15/2026 4:14 AM, Daniel70 wrote:

On 15/02/2026 12:55 am, micky wrote:

The cheapest cost for the most basic ExpressVPN, which I've used before >>>>> and been satisfied with, is *$3.49/month, or 42/a year* .-a I think other >>>>> VPN's are about the same. I don't really want a VPN all the time, and >>>>> had planned to just get it while traveling, *3 months would be $39* . >>>>

Sorry!! WHAT?? $3.49/month or 3 months would be $39 .... doesn't seem to add up (nearly a full years cost for a quarter of the year!!).

https://www.malwarebytes.com/vpn

Privacy VPN only

Start with our standalone VPN for borderless and private internet connection

Starting at $39.99/yr.

It's because it is available for a one year subscription.
As the other option is to bundle their AV+VPN for a higher price (one year subscription).

Paul

Yes, Sure, AV+VPN might cost a few dollars more ($42/year) but why does
the OP indicate the ExpressVPN costs $3.49/month (about $42/year) or $39
for three months (whilst travelling)??

Sorry, I mixed two companies in consecutive sentences without making it clear. ExpressVPN is 13/month when buying by the month, and
Malwarebytes is 3.49 when buying by the year.

Ah!! Thank you, micky.
--
Daniel70
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2