|
|
Microsoft Anti-virus?
Reader Dee Smith wrote to ask about antivirus recommendations:
I have been using Norton antivirus programs for 10 years. In May I purchased Norton 360 which has been giving me fits. When I shut down Windows, everything goes off but the tower. I have done all their troubleshooting to see which program I have that might be conflicting with 360 to no avail. I have just uninstalled it and everything is working fine. But I have no virus protection.
Someone told me that you really don't need an addtional virus program as Windows has it's own built in anti virus. I have been searching this and have not found that information anywhere. I've been reading your site's information but haven't been able to filter through all of the information.
what do you recommend?
First, Dee has received some bad information — Windows does not have its own built-in anti-virus. Neither Windows XP nor Windows Vista include an anti-virus program as part of Windows.
Windows XP and Vista include a Microsoft firewall. The XP version has gone through some changes, but still doesn't control outbound communications. With Windows Vista, though, Microsoft finally realized that outbound communications are an issue, too.
Vista also includes Windows Defender, Microsoft's anti-spyware program, as part of its installation. Windows XP doesn't, but its available for free for download from www.microsoft.com.
Microsoft included a trial version of an anti-spyware program with Windows XP Service Pack 2, just in case users didn't have one installed. Most computer manufacturers bundle trial versisons of security suites with their computers. But, Windows does not include an anti-virus program.
Microsoft does have a separate commercial product called Windows Live OneCare, which includes an anti-virus program. At least, I assume they still sell it — I can't find it on microsoft.com.
My recommendations to Dee were the same as I recommend in my online newsletter each week. I prefer individual security applications (firewall, antivirus, antispyware and antispam) as opposed to one of the security suites.
For anti-virus, I use and recommend NOD32, a small, fast, unobtrusive anti-virus program. I've used NOD32 since 2003.
Regardless of which of the many anti-virus programs you choose to use, be sure to use one.
Copyright © 2007 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.
|
|
