Expired Antivirus Protection Just as Bad as None

[froggyboy604]

Expiration dates aren't just for food. Antivirus programs can also go stale, and when they do, they're almost as useless as having no antivirus protection at all, according to the latest edition of a twice-yearly Microsoft study.
 
In its Security Intelligence Report 17, released today (November 18), Microsoft found that computers with expired antivirus protection were only slightly less likely to be infected with malware than computers with no antivirus protection at all, and almost four times as likely to be infected as computers that had up-to-date antivirus protection.
 
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I think one of the advantages of newer versions of Google Android, and Chrome OS is that the antivirus scanner is built-into the operating system, so there is less chance of the antivirus expiring, or being discontinued like Windows where a lot of paid antivirus require you to subscribe to a yearly subscription, and once you stop subscribing, you no longer get protection from new viruses.

 

[Demon_Skeith]

The same goes with microsoft security essentials, which the anit virus is upgraded along with the OS. And really you don't have to run a virus scan thanks to live protection, so it is required to always keep it up to date and never expire these days.

 

[froggyboy604]

I think Security Essentials will be discontinued for Windows XP in a few month, or already discontinued. Usng a free antivirus like Avast, Antivir, and AVG sometimes require you to install the latest versions to continue getting updates, and using newer features to protect you from viruses.

I think it is a good idea to run an antivirus, antispyware, antimalware, and other security scans on a weekly to monthly basis because it is better to delete the virus while it is not open, and running since once the virus is open, it might install other hidden viruses, and change Windows settings like your default homepage on your web browser.

 

[Demon_Skeith]

I think Security Essentials will be discontinued for Windows XP in a few month, or already discontinued. Usng a free antivirus like Avast, Antivir, and AVG sometimes require you to install the latest versions to continue getting updates, and using newer features to protect you from viruses.

I think it is a good idea to run an antivirus, antispyware, antimalware, and other security scans on a weekly to monthly basis because it is better to delete the virus while it is not open, and running since once the virus is open, it might install other hidden viruses, and change Windows settings like your default homepage on your web browser.

Security Essentials is a MS product that is kept up to date for all windows OS and every tech person I know at school swears by it being the best free AV to have.

 

[froggyboy604]

Security Essentials is a MS product that is kept up to date for all windows OS and every tech person I know at school swears by it being the best free AV to have.

I think Windows 95, 98, 98SE, ME, 2000 and other older versions of Windows is not compatible with Security Essentials.

Security Essentials for Windows XP will be discontinued on July 2015 according to http://www.infoworld.com/article/2610295/microsoft-windows/microsoft-extends-xp-anti-malware-support-until-july-2015.html

Windows Vista would probably not get any updates for Security Essentials in the near future when Vista reach its end of life date for Windows Update. 

Security Essentials is only compatible with Windows Vista and 7 according to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download#mainNav 

Microsoft Security Essentials is supported on Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Windows 8/8.1 uses Windows Defender which is a new antivirus which was only made for Windows 8/8.1, and comes pre-installed on Windows 8/8.1 when you install Windows on a PC.

Microsoft has elected to end all support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014 -- except for updates to Microsoft's anti-malware products running on XP, which will be available until July 2015.

I think Avira Free is one of the best free antivirus based on reading http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-free-pc-antivirus,review-2210.html

According to AV-TEST, Avira offers the strongest protection against both widespread and zero-day malware. Its austere interface can be intimidating at first, and computers with less RAM might see a performance impact. However, Avira Free Antivirus’ sheer effectiveness and good range of features -- including a mobile portal and child-safety settings -- make it the best choice.

Tomsguide.com, and AV-TEST are two well trusted sites within the techy community for learning about antivirus, and other software.

 

[Demon_Skeith]

Avira, I couldn't recommend. Seems to affect my PC heavy and at first (since it was a new version) it left my desk top black while it was booting.

 

[froggyboy604]

I used Avira before, and it did not cause any problems when I used it in Vista, and 7. Avira might have an incompatibility problem with another program, driver, or hardware installed on your PC.