u/Holiday_Athlete_8627

So, I have only ever used McAfee before, and I am not even sure how that works. I am aware of the basics like having a firewall and detecting computer virus, but now I am looking for something more advanced. And I have a few questions:

When choosing an antivirus software,

1. How do I choose the best one for me - what should I be looking out for?

2. What is a justifiable price for an antivirus software?

3. Do I even need an antivirus application? Is my in-built firewall and phishing training enough?

4. Are the basic plans for the antivirus ever enough protection, or should I go for an advanced one?

Please be kind in the comments. I am very tired of delaying buying a subscription, just because my research never seems to be enough.

TIA!

One, is it legal to discuss that?

Two, do people actually do it?

Three, what makes you want to/not want to do it?

Apart from the general notion that it might make people upset, are there any reasons why we don't talk about our salaries openly? Any policies, contractual obligations? I am just curious.

The answers will differ based upon location and job type, so please mention any details you find necesaary.

I am an early career engineer (4 years work ex) working in a large matrixed organization. And I am conflicted on whether I should switch or not.

Pros:

1. Work-life balance (8/10 - the only issue is it is 4 days a week in office and the office is in a remote location)
2. Decent Pay (6/10 - I can get by with a decent lifestyle and save some)
3. Benefits (8/10)
4. Project (9/10 - I have amazing learning and good enough flexibility)

Cons:

1. Manager (there is suspicion of bias and favoritism)
2. Decent Pay (I could be paid better)
3. Niche profile (This is the best time to switch if I want to change industries - and I am not particularly fond of the industry I work in, but I am also not particularly fond of other industries.)
4. Team environment (People are always trash talking because of the previously mentioned suspicion - and I am not particularly a fan of the atmosphere it has created)

I am still learning and growing. And I told myself I wouldn't bother myself with the compensation for the first 10 years of my career as long as I can build skill, but the compensation factor has started bothering me - maybe because I somewhere compare myself to other people around me. I know I can switch for much better pay (maybe 30-40% increase in base pay) but I will be losing out on the work-life balance big time.

Also this is company values its employees quite a lot (I believe) and I am not sure how good that is for me - I feel like I am missing out on the hustle culture. I am extremely driven and motivated, but when the environment is not too challenging, I begin to slow down.

There're so many nuances and I don't know what to prioritize.

Need some advice for people who have had to make this decision before.

Has anybody heard of and tried out any donation services in the city?

Items : Household items, clothes, electronics, tools, furniture (basically non perishable items)

Any leads would be helpful!

I am talking good coffee, good vibes, good crowd. I want to go alone, put on my headphones and work.
There's a lot of cramped spaces with amazing food/beverages, but I want something more peaceful.

P.S. : No restaurant joints recommendations please (Ex: Starbucks, CCD)