Asking about anti-virus programs

From: DEBORAH ADOPT (dla37tea_at_mindspring.com)
Date: 09/10/03 

Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2003 17:30:52 -0700

Any experts out there that can answer security protection
for my hp?

Does anyone know about the difference between which anti-
virus protection to have: McAfee or Norton? I'm getting
confused and I need to know what I'm doing if I'm planning
on opening an internet business.

I purchased the Windows XP, hp pavilion 780n with the 950
all-in-one priner, fax, scanner, and copier. Windows XP's
Hard drive came with McAfee.com, which I've heard
is "minimal security protection against worms and
viruses," as everyone knows of this last big hit with
the "Blaster Worm." However, since I bought the computer
package in Jan 2001, I figured McAfee was fine and that I
would just make sure that I kept my computer updated
through "windows update," like installing all those
security patches that came as no easy task, but rather, a
big challenge for me. I really had a hard time getting the
Fix-recovery patch and then just this last year there was
the "Class Action Suite, Dec 12,2002; Plaintiff Brian
Delre vs HEWLETT-PACKARD, involving the upgrading of HP
DVD 100i series to the HP200i series.

Now, today I did purchase the online subscription for the
McAfee VirusScan 1-year plan of $24.95 because I followed
the 4 steps to inquire about this worm affecting my
computer. I did track my history of windows updating and I
did install the Microsoft Security MS03-026 within less
than the week the worm struck. However, after scanning
(using the subscription for McAfee) for updates and
scanning all files today, McAfee said "I was unprotected
and at risk for JavaScript, ActiveX, Web Bugs, Cookies and
JavaX," and McAfee offered me: "The Internet Security
Advisor" consisting of both Secure IE and Private IE
together as a package to protect my PC from security
leaks, and hacking attacks.(I thought all those elements
were covered under Windows Update)

I decided to wait and closed the window, but a pop-up
window appeared and "McAfee Security Special Partner"
offered me another $10.00 off coupon, because "they didn't
want to loose as a customer." Then as I went for it,I read
their "purchase agreement," which said the software
is: "AS IS SALE," with all faults and no warranties, and
just basically AcAfee is not at all responsible or liable
for any damage the product might do to my system or other
programs. The total cost for me to have "Secure IE &
Private IE with a CD copy" would cost me about $39.99
approximately, and that I need to "hurry because this
offer ends Sept 9, 2003, at 12Midnight." If I'm aware of
this software package, I believe I saw something similar
at Staples today, and if so, it was expensive...in the
ranges of approx $300 to $600. Now can someone out there
set me straight on securing one's computer?

My questions to anyone who knows about this: Is "McAfee
Special Partner Offer" legitimate and true? Or am I
falling into a trap? Do I even need this, when I've been
updating Windows automatically? I feel confused and I have
some doubts. After I send this message, I'm going to talk
to hp instant support, or contact Microsoft to inquire
about this to see if I should buy and install this
software. Most of my friends say they like Norton better,
but they don't have the same computer I do. My Windows XP
came with McAfee already installed.

Thanks for your help. Help, help, please? What is true,
and what is not? These computers can be risky and they are
not cheap! I'm feeling less confident and rather
cautious...am I being too insecure? I'd like to think I'm
wise to double check before I impulsively act, buy it, and
install it, especially if the software is not reliable
with no warranties, as number 1 states: "AS IS SALE,"
and "WITH ALL FAULTS."

Again, I really appreciate those who really know their
technology, and who are willing to educate me about what
action I should take. In closing, I would hope for tighter
security measures to be achieved, because life is already
so difficult without having to add fuel to the fire.

I apologize for the long message. This is my first time to
ever write to a Newsgroup. If I've been out-of-line with
any contents of this letter, please accept my apology. Not
to try to gain any sympathy here, but I have missed lots
of sleep last night trying to figure this out, and missing
sleep is not good for my disability.

Sincerely,
Deborah

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Asking about anti-virus programs
    ... I believe I have enabled the one that came with McAfee, ... because "Microsoft Windows Update" flagged it. ... than my firewall is enabled. ... There are also security updates for Office at ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: cant update XP, Yes I had the vundo
    ... Your McAfee app will NOT be able to clean all of this up. ... Avoid McAfee Internet Security freebie and AVG. ... since expired and/or the machine's not been kept fully-patched at Windows ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsupdate)
  • Re: Asking about anti-virus programs
    ... > McAfee one already on your machine? ... > 3) Keep windows updated via www.microsoft.com/windowsupdate. ... > the security settings in Internet Explorer you'll see how to make IE ... >> did install the Microsoft Security MS03-026 within less ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Spyware From Microsoft?
    ... but I'd let McAfee's Security Center ... take control from the Windows Security Center. ... look for "McAfee WSC Integration". ... Trusting Spybot, I accepted the fix. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.configuration_manage)
  • Re: All patches, but still exploited
    ... >> removing added security protection from IE and using the Administrator ... I NEVER had this problem with Windows ... Avoiding the flaws and blaming a Web surfer is ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.security)