Anybody use this free software.

[texanwitch]

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

One of my laptop's had a problem, someone told me about this.

[HopeHoops]

1. Personally, I don't consider "Microsoft" and "Security" to be words that belong together.

They've got so many damn holes in their software to begin with, why would anyone expect them to be able to handle something called "Security Essentials"?

If you concluded that I haven't used it, you are correct. That's just my view on it. I've seen a number of posts on DU by people claiming it works wonders and hopefully someone who has used it will respond here. I also hope you get responses from those who have used the free software out there. The only (current) free one I've used is AntiMalware by MalwareBytes (malwarebytes.org). The free version will knock out some of the nastiest shit on an infected computer, even in safe mode, but it isn't an "active" product. They have one that is constantly checking new files and file changes for $25, which is quite reasonable.

The sad truth is that no one product does everything (even though many claim they do) and some of them simply fight each other to the point where both are useless. The best thing to do is consider all of the advice you get and try/add one thing at a time. If making one change causes problems, you know what caused the problems. If you change two things at a time you can't be sure.

Did you post this in the computer forum as well?

Good luck!

[Amerigo Vespucci]

2. I have two friends who provide "help desk" service...

...and one of the major ongoing tasks they handle is removing the unbelievable amount of temp files, spyware, viruses, crap, etc. from users' machines.

For free comprehensive antivirus / anti-spyware / privacy clean-up etc. protection, here are their recommendations (which I would recommend instead of anything Microsoft has to offer...I use all three):

1). AVG Free Antivirus: http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

2). CCleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/

3). Advanced System Care: http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html

:toast:

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Well, I use it, but I use a lot of other stuff, too, so I...

can't really say how effective it is. And, I've never had problem with nasties invading any of my computers, that I know of.

If you think you're infected, scan with the usual stuff-- Malwarebytes, AdAware, Spybot, AVG and maybe few others. And make sure you have a decent firewall set up.

Often as not, some software you've installed causes conflicts and screws up the machine. Uninstalling things you don't use could help.

And always remember that "Restore" can be your best friend-- it's in XP, Vista, and 7. Just dig around Help and look for it. Instructions are clear and simple (unlike most Windows instructions.)

(And put anyone who insists you install Linux on ignore.)

[texanwitch]

4. Thanks for the info.

I am running AVG now, the free offer for now.

So far it looks good.

[pokerfan]

5. most intruders enter the home through windows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAr3XbqUbjo