| Advice & Trial 2 | |||
| Windows Firewall & Defender- New Antivirus |
Microsoft Security Essentials
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Summary: "Microsoft Security Essentials is also designed to address cost and other barriers that have prevented many of our customers from running up-to-date security protection on their PCs. Because there are no subscription fees, there is no registration required to collect billing or other personal information. It also runs quietly in the background scheduling scans when the PC is most likely idle and interrupting the user only when there is an action required to keep their PC secure." Advice: Trial Run: Step 1.- Since my Norton had just expired, I went into the Security area and turned on the Windows Firewall. Then, I made sure my Windows Defender was up to date. I re-booted with the new settings as a precaution and checked to make sure they were both on in the Windows Security Center. Step 2.- I went to Control Panel and uninstalled my expired Norton Internet Security 2009 program. Then I went to my C: drive and looked for any remaining Norton files under Programs (32 bit). There, I deleted the Norton directory. Step 3.- I downloaded the files from the MS Security Essentials website. It did not take long since the file was only about 4MB. I selected the "Run" option. Once downloaded. it checked my machine for a genuine copy of Vista and asked me to agree to the license. As usual, the agreement was as long as my arm so I just agreed to what "I have no idea". Step 4.- I went to Windows Security Center where I asked for an definitions update and scan of my system. I went back into Windows Security Essentials. All lights were green on Firewall, Autoupdate, Malware Protection and Other. A Quick Scan was started but found no errors or problems in the the Microsoft Security Center and set a Quick scan to daily with a request for an update before running the scan. Step 5.- I requested a Full scan in the Security Center- just as a precaution. Results: Oct. 11, 2009- Update: For some reason, the Center runs scans during the day and most of the night. I could not understand at first why the fan on my portable was coming on at night until I ran Start
Oct. 12, 2009- The memory issue is becoming a problem since I run multiple applications at one time. Despite having 4Gb of memory and ready boost rolling, I am getting memory errors and have to shut down Dreamweaver when it freezes. I do not get to save my work either since Dreamweaver just freezes and ends abruptly. Oct. 13, 2009- I took a peak at the updating feature which was set to daily. The virus definitions were two days old which either meant there were no new threats in 48 hours (yeah, right) or the program was not doing the updates as promised. I use the system daily for at least a few hours to keep prices up to date. The fact that my Microsoft Antivirus was not current caused me some concern since my files are very important to my work. Other programs I have used are pushing out updates hourly or instantly. I know virus makers do not sleep. Oct. 14, 2009- This situation resulted in me uninstalling Microsoft antivirus in favor of one with a two way firewall and current updating. I missed a few other features, such as alerts to known virus laden web sites, identity safe and vulnerability protection - locally and on my network. On running my new program (Norton Internet Security 2010), it uncovered 23 tracking cookies Microsoft Antivirus missed. So much for the trial. I think I can wait for Microsoft Antivirus, Windows Defender and Firewall to become more serious programs in fighting We will keep you updated should these programs become more mature and comprehensive. Official Word: The Microsoft Antivirus "employs practices like active memory swapping and CPU throttling to limit the impact on your PC performance, even on older or less powerful PCs. This isn’t a security suite product that provides rich PC tuning capabilities or backs up your data. But if what you’re looking for is “install and forget” malware protection and solid quality Microsoft Security Essentials may be just what you’ve been waiting for. Plus, as a user of Microsoft Security Essentials you’ll get support from the MMPC. We think you’re gonna like what you get with Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft Security Essentials is available now in 8 languages and 19 markets around the world for genuine Windows PCs." What does it do? Security Essentials Home screen- Update- History- Settings
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