Internet Security

***PeteHam*** · July 16th, 2012, 01:19

Just a quick question for you Gurus.

I currently have Microsoft Security Essentials installed but our local Telecom provider has offered us a free download of McAfee.

Can I run both or do I need to remove MSE ?

Thanks for your help.

Pete.

***bushpilot*** · July 16th, 2012, 01:41

Running two antivirs is not good. My opinion: don't install McAfee, just keep MSE. It's much better. Unless you want to use McAfee firewall.

**cheezyflier** · July 16th, 2012, 01:48

Originally Posted by bushpilot

Running two antivirs is not good. My opinion: don't install McAfee, just keep MSE. It's much better.

that's what i would have said, only more eloquently. free crap is still crap.

***bushpilot*** · July 16th, 2012, 02:54

Originally Posted by cheezyflier

that's what i would have said, only more eloquently. free crap is still crap.

Yep. And I don't recommend the McAfee firewall either. If you're running Win7, the built-in is really good.

***PeteHam*** · July 16th, 2012, 03:19

OK , thanks guys for your recommendation.

I'll continue with MSE and not worry about McAfee.

My system is Win7.

Thanks again

Pete.

***roger-wilco-66*** · July 16th, 2012, 03:33

Running firewalls on end-point-systems where web-applications run (browsers, etc) is always crap, no matter what OS.... It's slightly better than nothing, but it's like saying that savagely worn tires are better than no tires at all. If one feels the need for protection by a firewall, one should go buy a router with firewall functions or even a small, dedicated firewall and practice some real defense in depth.
Also the discussion what virus scanner to use is IMHO overrated. They all doctor around on symptoms, and no single tool or other defensive measure is sufficient.

IMHO, the best protection one can have is running web apps in sandboxes (i.e. sandboxie) and to use the brain before clicking OK-CANCEL-YES-NO buttons / inserting usb-sticks from friends etc etc.

Cheers,
Mark

***bushpilot*** · July 16th, 2012, 04:36

Yes, there's always higher levels you can go with security. But it's still fair to compare two antivirs, one that is cluttered crap and hogs your processor time and memory, and the other which does what is supposed to do and does it well.

But still, the best security measures probably would be un-plugging your internet, throwing your computer to the lake, and wearing a foil-hat.

***roger-wilco-66*** · July 16th, 2012, 05:39

Originally Posted by bushpilot

[...]
But still, the best security measures probably would be un-plugging your internet, throwing your computer to the lake, and wearing a foil-hat.

Ahh, I forgot about them HARP waves zapping our brains in order to make us think that the use of AV software makes our PCs safe :-) Maybe we should wear the tin-foil hat first and then think this over!

Cheers,

Mark

***Odie*** · July 16th, 2012, 10:02

Yeah, but once you start wearing tinfoil, it becomes a habit! It's just so......shiney.

**cheezyflier** · July 16th, 2012, 14:40

Originally Posted by Odie

Yeah, but once you start wearing tinfoil, it becomes a habit! It's just so......shiney.

. i no longer wear aluminum foil. the metal is too quiet, and sometimes serves to reflect sound waves, if you are targeted by a parabolic mic. i use baker's parchment now. i get the shielding properties similar to foil, AND i get a much higher crinkly sound level to mask anything i might say. on the plus side, the surface takes color well, so a box of crayons means my wardrobe always looks fresh. also, it takes heat real well, and it's not a conductor. on the negative side, there is water. if you swim with it, the effectiveness vanishes immediately. ditto with rain.