Microsoft Security Essentials

[Dudley]

I have just installed the above and it looks very straightforward and easy to operate. Just one question. There is an option to install the Malicious Software Removal Tool, should I install that in addition the MSE please?

[Dudley]

Many thanks

[AlBags]

Hi
I think you will get on better with this.
Personally, I have become less impressed with AVG over the last few years .. I have never used it myself .. but fixed quite a few problems on friends machines that have been installation issues, update issues and upgrade issues, along with a few infections it couldn't stop.
GL
Al.

[Dudley]

Thanks Al, my first impressions of MSE are very favourable. In the past I've used AVG Free, AVG Pro, Comodo, McAfee, and Norton. MSE is the easiest to load and the operating instructions are by far the simplest and easiest to understand. What I find irritating with AVG is although it is free, they go to great lengths to convince the user that the Pro version is far superior and necessary to fully protect your equipment. During the download process you are constantly recommended to upgrade and domestic users like me who are not that computer savvy, are not sure they are doing the right thing. I've been using computers for more than ten years but don't know much about the technical side. After all, you don't need to be a mechanic to drive a car. I've always Been comfortable with Microsft products and still use IE despite having tried many of the alternatives. Many thanks again, regards Dud.

[jno]

I imagine I've got MSE since my computer's new, but how can I tell?

[Dudley]

Click on the icon in the bottom left of your desktop and click on programs. A list of all your program's will appear in alpha order.

[jno]

I tried that, and MSE isn't listed, so perhaps I haven't got it. I was under the impression it was always included with Windows these days , but maybe not.

I do have AVG and Malwarebytes so that's probably all I need.

[AlBags]

You will see an icon in the system tray ..
or look in Windows Security Centre .. it should say name of AV protecting machine.
If supplied new with software on it .. it ought to have some AV on it .. but you should check.

[jno]

AVG is the only one showing up in the system tray. Where would I find Windows Security Centre? If it's the "System and Security" section under the control panel, it only lists Windows Firewall.

The computer is new, only a couple of months old, and has whatever the latest Windows number is, I forget.

[AlBags]

Called Action Center in Windows 7.
Control Panel/System & Security/Action Center.

Another way is to look down the list of installed Programs (also from Control Panel)
What I would like is for you to come back saying you only have ONE showing in there .. and installed!

[vivandorron]

jno....I am unaware that new Computers arrive with MSE. It is my belief that yours has come with a trial programme for AVG and shortly you will be getting on screen messages to let you know that it is 'out-of-date' and an attempt to persuade you to purchase the fully updated version.

Personally, I would get rid of AVG and and then install MSE; which doesn't cost a penny. I did it by opening the computer's Control Panel and then clicking 'Programmes and Features'....from the listed programmes, I then removed all AVG items and then downloaded MSE:-

http://www.microsoft..../pc-security/mse.aspx

Ron.

[AlBags]

Right-on Ron! : )

[jno]

thanks for that, AlBags. It tells me I have Windows Firewall, and AVG providing virus protection and spyware and unwanted software protection, all turned on. It also tells me (under installed antispyware programs) there's something called Windows Defender, which is turned off. (It wasn't installed by me; AVG was.) Nothing called MSE anywhere.

Along with Malwarebytes, should that be enough?

[jno]

Ron, just to add that I installed the AVG free programme. Once in a while it does plead with me to install a non-free version, but I turn a deaf ear to it.

[AlBags]

WD is like Malwarebytes with protection module on. I don't believe as good tho .. although that's subjective.
Use Defender or Malwarebytes.
Al.

[jno]

that's fine, thanks, AlBags. Malwarebytes and AVG seem to be working fine, as far as I can tell, so I'll stick with them.

Dudley, sorry to hijack your thread, but it's been very useful to me too. I'll probably never know about MSE, though.

[AlBags]

One day you will : )

[Dudley]

No problem jno. It helps us all to learn from the experts. The more questions and answers the better!

[AlBags]

Not too many please ... Busy on another one now! ; )