Virus scan and adding a vpn

VPN
1

Hi all. I’m using a now outdated chrome book.
I’m not very tech savvy, how can I check it for virus issues?
Also is there such a thing as a free VPN or will I have to pay?

I often use sites such as Movies123 and worry the pops up may cause issues on my chrome book.

2

ProtonVPN is a safe, free VPN. It allows one connection free, but does not allow for torrent downloads. If you aren’t downloading torrents, it is a great choice.

I do not have any informed recommendations for the best free antivirus.

3

clam av can manually scan your linux container for known malware files (which is not the same as scanning your chromebook)

I don’t think VPN particularly enhances security other than if you are connecting through a sketchy wifi. There may be privacy benefits of choosing vpn (if you trust them), but that’s not unique to older chromebooks.

4

Chrome OS is built on linux, and web based. You said “I am not very tech savvy” so I assume you have no viruses, it takes a lot of effort to make a chromebook insecure, and the only risks are if you use untrusted extensions. You can still install an anti-virus like Malwarebytes through the play store if you have it, if you don’t your chromebook is likely super outdated, and I’d recommend getting an alternative os that is made for older devices if there are things you wish to do on it that it is to outdated for. Popups are easily disabled from the chrome://settings by going to the site permissions and blocking all pop ups.

5

neither antivirus or a vpn will be useful to you in the slightest. what you need to do is install Chrome OS Flex if your device can run it. if it’s too old, it might not be able to and you might need to install Puppy Linux or something. Just as long as you’re getting updates.

6

If you use Google one for more space, even the cheapest tier has a vpn. Again, its not for doing anything nefarious but a good option if you just want some extra privacy and you already pay for google one, I split it with my friends

7

Thanks for this recommendation. I will also take note of this.

8

Thanks.

I will check it out.

9

I highly doubt they know what the linux container even is.

10

I bought 3 years of a VPN for $85, it gives me peace of mind torrenting or from shady streaming sites. Just a thought.

11

Can vouch for them, I use Proton all the time, check out their other services as well!

12

Not my post, but you didn’t actually say what VPN you’re using.

13

No I did not, surfshark.

Edit, I just looked and it’s even cheaper.