Consider Microsoft Security Essentials

Here I go again nagging Good Booters who insist on responding to pop-ups and Web site ads suggesting a “free” scan of their Registry and hardware drivers will provide the information they need to rejuvenate their computer. And of course, once the scan is completed, offer software to resolve the Registry conflicts and update the drivers they suggest are out of date.

Although there are software programs that can provide useful information concerning potential Registry conflicts and the need for driver updates, they’re best suited for advanced users. Too many are registry cleaning and driver update software programs I consider to be snake oil. Software fraudulently peddled as a cure for all your computer’s ills.

Let your technician be the judge of whether or not your computer is doing all it can do and if not, what can be done to make it be all it can be.

Now that I’ve finished nagging you, let’s move on to a more pleasant subject - free stuff.

Last year Microsoft discontinued its highly regarded Windows Live OneCare product and
replaced it with Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), a “free” real-time protection program for home computers. One that guards against viruses, spyware and other malicious software.

MSE is available to all genuine Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 users in both a 32-bit and 64-bit version (32-bit only on XP).

It’s simple to install, easy to use and always kept up to date. When its icon in your Notification Area is green, your as safe as a bug in a rug.

I replaced my “free” AVG software with Microsoft Security Essentials about a month ago and discovered it worked efficiently and quietly in the background, updating it’s data base more often than AVG.

However, as with any anti virus, spyware and malware program be it free or subscription software, it’s not infallible. One must always use caution while surfing the Web and be sure to apply system patches and software updates regularly.

And it goes without saying you must always obey David Keller’s (www.compu-doctor.com) rules of Safe Computing which if they’re followed religiously, guarantee you’ll not suffer an e-mail virus infection.

Note: If you’re running MSE you do not need to run Windows Defender. Microsoft Security Essentials will disable Defender on Vista and Windows 7 systems (Defender cannot be uninstalled on Vista and Windows 7 systems) and uninstall it on XP systems.

If you find Defender is still running after installing Security Essentials, disable it.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.