Microsoft Security Essentials

[Graphics2u]

Anyone using this for Anti-virus software? What do you think?

 

[SignBurst PCs]

I have used it on a few workstations here. I haven't run into any problems and it is FREE. It isn't a full blown security suite, but it seems to do what it is supposed to.

 

[Graphics2u]

Yeah the price is definately right! I just put it on 2 computers at home last night. It was time for my Norton renewal and I was getting tired of how much it cost and how it seemed to slow down my laptop.

 

[bob]

Microsoft puts out an operating system that is sufficiently ill conceived that it is at risk for all manner of mischief. Then that very same Microsoft publishes another package that is supposed to deliver you from all of the possible malfeasance that they themselves made possible.

Sounds a lot like religion.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

well in todays world it is getting harder to hack and destroy PCs from afar so no reason to pay big bucks for security software that others will figure out soon sometimes sooner

been using free security software since 2004 lots of times a trail periods then when finish try another or uninstall -reinstall

 

[choucove]

Recently I've worked on numerous computers that have been infected with a very nasty fraud virus that can be difficult to remove. Most of these infected computers did have anti-virus software installed and the software either wouldn't pick up on the virus, or became infected itself! Of these computers, the ones that have had anti-virus programs installed that didn't work were: Norton, AVG, and Microsoft Security Essentials. While it's often a good time to keep same-brand software for compatibility, I can't really suggest using Microsoft Security Essentials, even if it is free. There are so many other options out there, even free ones, that have a proven reliability.

 

[tanneji]

We have had great success with it. It was actually rated by tomshardware or cnet or someone in the top three. As for Microsoft making such a "horrible product" that can be destroyed bob, it is also the most prevalent for businesses which is why it is so often attacked by hackers and the like. Why spend the time to infect a mac when only 9% of the world actually uses one? And at that its mostly designers, photographers, schools etc which would not have financial info on them. I'm just pleased that you live in such a perfect world that you have never messed up, screwed up a job, left a loophole in a quote etc.

 

[bob]

W...As for Microsoft making such a "horrible product" that can be destroyed bob, ...

When I need words put into my mouth I and I alone will put them there. I said "ill-conceived" I did not say "horrible product". Any system capable of mindlessly executing messages deserves everything that happens to it.

You don't see any of this nonsense happening anywhere but on Microsoft. It's not because of the prevalence of Microsoft, it's because Microsoft has holes.

The point was that why should credence be given to software intended to thwart miscreants that was authored by the very same organization that produced the system that leaves itself open to attack to being with?

 

[tanneji]

And I understand your point there but why not let the company who produced the software in the first place fix them? Why would I trust Norton any more than I would MS? I trust myself and have the anti-virus as a backup. There is no AV for stupidity and I don't see why I should pay for something that I already am somewhat aware of. At least MS is somewhat saying "sorry for the holes and here's what we are trying to do to fix them". And sorry for putting words in your mouth but I get sick of every thread about "Why is my computer doing this?" or "What version of Windows do I need?" turning into "oh geeez microsoft is so horrible and you should get a mac." I thought that might be where you were heading and I think its completely not constructive. In this case, you brought up a valid point! Mea culpa!

 

[jiarby]

I used to be an AVG guy, but using AVAST on my new WIn7 box. The best antivirus software is between your ears.

 

[choucove]

I used to be an AVG guy, but using AVAST on my new WIn7 box. The best antivirus software is between your ears.

Perfectly stated.

I do not in any way believe that it is Microsoft's fault that there are so many malicious programs and code out there affecting Windows. If anything, it's because Microsoft has done such a great job in producing and marketing their operating system that it has become so universal (90% of the desktop consumer market share) that they are the prime target for security threat. However, because of that fact no matter how hard Microsoft works to make the operating system secure there will ALWAYS be a way of disabling that security. It is all just programming code and as such, can be modified, added to, removed from, etc. and cause a different outcome. And with millions and millions of lines of code, it is impossible to prevent all threats.

The same thing would be happening to OSX if it had a greater share in the market. In fact, with its slow growth in market share over the last few years, OSX has actually seen a great rise in the number of Apple-specific viruses from just a few years ago. It is the nature of the computer world. One side will always fight to make things more secure and prevent threats, while the other side will always find a way to make more threats.