Microsoft's antivirus try
Last week Redmond offered alert PC users a proposition: a limited beta test of its latest security application, called Microsoft Security Essentials to the first 75,000 fast-acting users in the United States, China, Israel, and Brazil. We hardly have to tell you that spots for the freeware antivirus tool that will replace Live OneCare were snapped up less than 24 hours after we posted our story.
If you weren't quick enough to join the testing herd, or if you live in one of the 191 other countries worldwide, Download.com Senior Associate Editor Seth Rosenblatt has all the information you need to get a feel for the Microsoft app's pros and cons. In addition to delving into the hands-on review, you can tune into this First Look video for a live-action peek.
Jessica Dolcourt reviews the latest and greatest smartphone apps, in addition to a healthy dose of Windows software. E-mail Jessica and follow her on Twitter. 
I've been running Windows 7 on two systems since the early beta release and currently run the RC release and it's been a real pleasure.
I'm currently testing Microsoft's Security Essentials on a Dell laptop running Windows 7.
If it gets infected, I'll be back to my avast! but for now, Security Essentials has the job of protecting this laptop.
In addition, because Windows takes up the vast majoriy of PC's they are bound to get the most time and effort into attacks. MAC's have just as many if not more flaws, they are just not as popular (as they think they are) and therefore don't have as many* viruses created for them. Some of these posts are very ignorant and I resent some of the comments.
"it" blocked every software I wanted to install.
What does "it" refer to? Avast? Live Care? Avast after using Live Care? Can't tell which program is giving you problems. Thanks.
Live One Care and many other "Microsoft Help Software" & "Service pack 3" all contain a program which states
THEY HAVE YOUR OK TO SCAN YOUR COMPUTER (AT ALL TIMES) FOR NON-REGESTERED PRODUCTS & BLOCK ANYTHING FOUND SUSPICIOUS.
(My computer was locked up when CompUSA had not regeistered several computers w/ XP programs ALREADY IN THE COMPUTER WHEN PURCHASED. This was seen as "ILLEGAL SOFTWARE" by this program & locked the computer. It took a COMPLETE restoring of my computer- 4 HOURS ON THE PHONE W/ MICROSOFT TECHS! Allot was lost! )
In Europe many professional/goverment computers were locked up & they won a huge lawsuit from Microsoft for this!
(also things downloaded on the internet & CNET like the "original" Decrypter/Shrink etc are stopped & blocked by this Microsoft deceptive program!)
In some of the AUTO UPDATES frim them you get "Service Pack 3" that has nothing else but this spy program. You must set the auto update to "ask me before downloading" & READ WHAT YOU ARE GETTING BEFORE SAYING "YES"! I did & caught this!
It cannot be removed!
**It is like a TROJEN HORSE...LOOKS LIKE A GOOD GIFT ON THE OUTSIDE...BUT AN ENEMY ON THE INSIDE!
Everytime I shut off my computer & turn it on a Microsoft window pops up asking me if I want to download this program. I have to say no every time. THEY KNOW I DONT HAVE IT YET...AND WONT!
Just a WARNING!
As for SP3, no problems as all my software is LEGAL. Yes, if you have a pirated copy of windows XP or Vista they will GET YOU! Your problem with a compusa pc not being properly registered sounds like a compusa problem....not Microsofts. Security works both ways ya know. It is NOT just for the buyer. The maker must be protected too. How would YOU like it if you invented a product and for every one copy sold ten illegal copies were traded or sold. That is a deep cut in your profits and I would think that YOU would want to do something about it too. If MS wants to scan my PC's for illegal software that is perfectly fine by me.
As for the many complaints and put downs that are SURE to follow....many are going to be generated by the third party AV manufacturers BECAUSE this new FREE system is going to RUN THEM OUT OF BUSINESS. Nuff said.
MIKLO
I now avoid a repeat of this by setting my Updates Download to "ask me before downloading" and un-clicking the "Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB 905474) " when ever it pops up.
There are instances when it appears amongst a bundle of other updates, you have to read all the downloads offered before installing. For those on "Automatic Downloads" and have never had this particular problem. GOOD LUCK!
- by July 3, 2009 2:00 AM PDT
- is it free or do you hav/t to pay fot it
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