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opinions about microsoft essencials

16 years ago

What do the pros here think about microsoft essencials. I have been told that I don't need other av or malware programs if I use it. Also told to use windows xp firewall instead of outpost that I use now.

So what do ya think? I value this forums opinion a lot.

thanks

ABH

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Comments (7)

Cricketm
16 years ago
Good question...I have been using Microsoft Essentials on my Lap Top (Vista)....I have not allow Windows Firewall..so I would like to know if I need Windows Firewall with the free version of Microsoft Essentials. Thanks for any comments.
zep516
16 years ago
I use Microsoft Security Essentials. Very simple to use and seems to work fine. It also includes Spyware protection. It actually turns Windows defender off on Vista and Windows 7. Because you don't need 2 Spyware programs running in real time at the same time.

It does not include any type of firewall protection. So you should turn on the windows vista and Windows 7 Firewall on.
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zep516
16 years ago
@ upnflyin

I would keep your outpost firewall on XP. XP is a one way Firewall not the best.

Only run 1 Anti Virus program at a time. So yes if you install Microsoft Security Essentials that is all you need to run. Don't run it with Norton, McAfee,Avg, or any others.
bob414
16 years ago
upnflying the xp firewall is one way and is not sufficient. Keep your outpost if you like it or get another like zone alarm. The vista and Win 7 firewalls are 2 way and OK.
Cricketm
16 years ago
Thanks for the information -- very well put. I appreciate it.
owbist
16 years ago
I have used MSE since it came out almost a year ago along with the MS firewall. There is no other protection on this Windows 7 computer and I have no reason to doubt it works. It updates automatically and is set to run a scan at 2 a.m. each Sunday - you can change that if you wish.

The fear with anything fully automatic is that the user may fail to check that it is working occasionally.

The down side with Windows 7 (and I think Vista) is that when the computer enters sleep mode the scan does not take place till the next time you open the computer back up. Not a real problem but at first you wonder why the hard drive is going nuts on Monday mornings :~)
upnflyin
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone that puts my mind at ease. Now the laptop with vista is going to get the same treatment.
Isn't this forum the greatest thing since sliced bread?
Grateful to all of you.
upnflyin

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