Question on Virus Scanning Programs?

Question

A couple of weeks ago our computer got a virus.  I had been running several programs for virus, malware, adware etc.  I kept the definitions up-to-date and ran them all on a regular basis.  But because the virus symptoms continued I decided to take it to a computer store to get fully checked out and cleaned.

They removed all the programs that I was using and installed Microsoft Security Essentials.  They told me that this is all that I need.  They also gave me a 2 month guarantee on the work.

But I guess I have a couple of questions:

1.  Does this one program really do everything and I don't need any other protection installed for my computer?

2.  Since it is a Microsoft program (and MS is targeted more often) is this really a good safe program, or are there viruses that can target and shut down MS's virus program as well? 

Thanks for whatever insight you can give me.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

A single, stand alone malware prevention strategy, and advice that "this is all that I need", shows an astonishing and colossal degree of ignorance on the part of this "computer store".  Very scary that they should even be allowed to be in business.
Find another source for your help.

'Out-of-the-box' MS Windows absolutely reeks with security problems and bad configurations that average users are unaware of...and so the endless exploits and malware infections.
My Avast! shows over 2 million malware code items.

You must reform your entire Windows strategy and tactics.
"10-Step Security"/PC World; http://www.pcworld.com/article/122500/10step_security.html

Even the most diligent & informed user, with layers of protection, smart user habits, solid system configurations & "real time" protection, risks infection.
(Check for fairly current threats here: http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/top_threat/

Stop using Internet Explorer!
It is the Undisputed World Heavyweight Champ @ passing malicious garbage.
You can't rely on an "anti-anything" if you use Internet Explorer, or a 'stock' Firefox browser which has been hacked by an Official Microsoft installation.
All Microsoft installed rubbish (hacks) MUST be disabled! 
Look in Tools> Add on's> Extensions & Plug-in's. (NET framework, Windows Presentation Foundation, Shockwave, Silverlight, Java stuff, or other active scripting rubbish).

Firefox, beefed up with 'NoScript' and my other official Firefox Collection items, stops acres of malware seen here in Y! Answers:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collections/dunbar-pappy/dunbarpappy/

Turn off 3rd party assets:
Tools> Options> Privacy> top drop menu set to "Firefox will use custom settings..."> Check 'Accept Cookies from sites' 
►& Un-Check  'Accept 3rd Party cookies'.

Use a "Limited User" account and "Sandboxie": http://www.sandboxie.com/
for even better protection.
Core defense applications might include (but not limited to):
Avast! (anti-virus); http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
or Avira.
"MalwareBytes" works for rubbish already plaguing you, if any.

Always incorporate a stout firewall:  Some freeware is here:  http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/security/fwfirewall.html
Look them over and match your needs to skill level.

SpywareBlaster (snoopware prevention and hostfile guardian); http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
 
If you don't have time or skill for 'updating', have a look @ "Secunia": checks all your 3rd party stuff for updates.
Freeware.
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/

Most novice users and Windows fanboys do not like hearing this, but nonetheless, it's true: using Windows on the Internet, requires you to become a security EXPERT, it's that G.d. simple. Something they conveniently omit telling you when you buy this system...

Note that deliberate use of 'dark side' sites, porn, peer-2-peer, pirated music, movies, software, etc. will ultimately defeat ANY security barriers.

Making all these changes seems overwhelming, and it is a pain in the keester; but it MUST be done: or stop using Windows on the Internet; move to Linux.

? · Answer

2

? · Answer

It's a good program but I would supplement it with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.

I haven't heard of any viruses that exploit flaws in MSE but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

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