Posted on 04/21/2010 1:29:45 PM PDT by Battle Hymn of the Republic
Just for s—ts and giggles, open up Windows Task Manager and check the CPU usage of the processes, McAfee runs about 3 or 4 processes and they can easily take up at least 50% of your CPU.
Never click on executables! Unless you know what it is...
I've currently got 3 PC's, 2 Laptops, 2 XBOX 360's, PS3, Wii, Denon 3808ci AVR, Denon clock radio and a couple of hand helds all connected to a 802.3n network. And only 1 casualty in 20 years. A firewall and encryption is all that is needed if you have a clue.
It depends on what software you have loaded on to the system, but yes, there are frequently new updates. I like it because I know that my system is up-to-date all of the time. It's a much better model than the "Patch Tuesday" (once a month) system that Microsoft uses for its major updates.
If it ends up seeming sluggish, which is possible given the computer's age, you could also try the xubuntu distribution - it is developed in parallel, but more suited to less-powerful systems.
Also, if you run into problems (though I hope you don't!), there is lots of information available on the Ubuntu Forums (www.ubuntuforums.org). Best of Luck!
Never click on executables! Unless you know what it is...
That's pretty much SOP for most computer users today. You must be doing something else to stay free of viruses and trojans if you're cruising the internet and staying bug-free without protection.
A firewall and encryption is all that is needed if you have a clue.
I guess I don't "have a clue" in that case. I'm just a home user, and don't have any sort of advanced technical skills, but I'm also not computer illiterate. Whatever you're doing is probably beyond my skill-set. Even the best computer experts I know, recommend using a strong anti-virus protection program.
In concept, your doubling up of antivirus programs is good; however, today’s antivirus programs cover both viruses and malware.
If you don’t notice much of a performance problem, it’s probably okay, but in general, Microsoft suggests only one antivirus program to be installed as a full-time protector (rather than on-demand when you choose to scan).
From Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/189264/en-us
Look at the last line in the Summary portion.
Mine are set to run scans at different times. So far no problems with performance.
The report in the link you posted states that AVIRA Antivir Premium 9.0.0.457 is the product that was tested. Nowhere in the report is it stated that the product tested was a free version nor is there any statement in the report claiming equivalency. If that’s your premise (even if it is true), that’s not how your original post came across to me. The one free product that was tested in the report is (per the table in the report and the listing of products tested in the report): “Alwil Software avast! free antivirus V 5.0.396”.
If you have some evidence to substantiate your claim that the AVIRA Antivir free product is indeed as effective as the AVIRA Antivir premium product, then I would certainly enjoy seeing that and am glad a link to download it was posted. I would also pay for a product that works well regardless (even if it was to circumvent a single easily dealt with ad that shows up once daily).
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