Regarding the product I don't know anything about it.

I do find too many users over worry as to infections. Being aware and concerned is appropriate, but to over react is unnecessary, and a waste of time and personal resources.

After the basics of an updated AV, and access to detection/remedial applications if an abnormality is detected the most productive protocols for carefree use of the Internet is awareness, safe surfing and common sense.

The sky is not falling. However, if you do walk on thin ice you may suffer the consequences.

DA

There's a line between prudence and paranoia and I think some folks tend towards the latter. Everything that goes wrong with a computer, isn't the result of malware and viruses. There's a healthy dose of old fashioned user error in the mix and quite frankly some of these "help" programs cause more problems than they solve. It was a month or so back where we had a user, with one of these "help" programs who got a little overzealous editing the registry with predictably disastrous results.

I don't know that Linux is the answer for the average user. It, unfortunately, seems to add a layer of complexity without a good technical support structure. There are also a fair number of users who use their computers for work and their employers require or support only certain applications and even operating systems. If the boss wants your spreadsheet in Excel, Linux isn't much help. Oh sure, you can run a Windows virtual machine inside of Linux but now you need two operating systems.

I played with Linux back in my anti-Microsoft days but once I discovered NT, most of my problems went away.

I agree with you DA, I've never been overly worried about it, but I worry about admitting it in this forum. LOL

V,

Concerned at an appropriate level is not a negative as it is wise so always feel free to share. Running around like Chicken Little is the negative. Even worse is to professing a cavalier attitude which is reckless.

DA

spunbondwarrior,

Many people don't know that Microsoft operating systems come with a built-in virus scanner going back to Windows XP. They would prefer that third-party companies make their own software instead of informing the public as to their own free solution. In any case, it's called "MRT" which stands for Malicious Removal Tool. Simply type in MRT into the Run box if using Windows XP, or type it into the search box (in Start) if using Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Learn more about Microsoft MRT

Here is a link that might be useful: Learn more about Microsoft MRT

everyone that does regular windows updates uses the malicious removal tool, however it is not meant to be a tool to depend on as an antivirus program it is specific to individual threats which it scans for and eliminates. In the literature linked it even specifically sates it is a spyware removal tool.
Quote"
One piece of Microsoft Windows spyware maintenance is the Malicious Removal Tool, or MRT. This program will search your computers hard drive and remove any malicious software."

What should be done on every pc is a layered approach to protection, a good stand alone updated antivirus program, at least one good antimalware program like malwarebytes, and a good firewall. In addition to that adding spywareblaster, WOT, and doing an occasional online scan are a good idea. And of course making sure every thing on the pc is fully updated including things like java, adobe, flash etc. Being behind a good router with built in hardware firewall is additional layered protection. And practicing safe Hex, know where you go!