Anti Virus Protection?

[William F. Welner]

Does one have to purchase a separate anti Virus program for Windows Vista?

The Computer Shop that sold me my new PC told me that Virus protection is
provided as part of Windows Vista.

Immediately turned the PC on I received a message recommending that I
purchase an anti Virus program.

I am confused. Please provided me advice on the Anti Virus issue.

Bill Welner

 

[Cal Bear '66]

Windows Vista does NOT come with built-in virus protection.

Both Avast and AVG have Vista compatible anti-virus programs free for home
users.


I Bleed Blue and Gold
GO BEARS!

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

The shop may have confused MS Windows Defender (which comes standard with Vista) as being an anti-virus. It's not.
IF & only if the shop added MS OneCare (which it does not appear so), then antivirus is in there.

If money is an issue (and it truly is self-defeating to scrimp money for AV), a strong recommendation is Avira AntiVir PE Classic (only for personal use) at http://www.free-av.com/ as a free AV
May I personnaly suggest you NOT get AVG antivirus (the free edition). Other AV products are much better.

You also truly need an anti-malware (though some products are now including both anti-malware & AV into 1 suite).
My personal favorite is CounterSpy from Sunbelt Software. The AVG Anti-Spyware is also good.

iirc, companies like Panda & TrendMicro are offering packages that include AV & anti-malware.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Does one have to purchase a separate anti Virus program for Windows Vista?

The Computer Shop that sold me my new PC told me that Virus protection is
provided as part of Windows Vista.

Immediately turned the PC on I received a message recommending that I
purchase an anti Virus program.

I am confused. Please provided me advice on the Anti Virus issue.

You got bad information from the computer shop. No version of Windows
has ever come with Virus protection.

Unfortunately, getting misinformation from clerks in stores selling
computers is common, especially if the stores are of the big chain
variety--BestBuy, Circuit City, CompUSA, etc. Most of these places
choose the people they hire based on their willingness to accept
something close to minimum wage, not based on their skills. If these
people knew anything, almost certainly they could get a better
job.

However, you can download and install excellent freeware antivirus
software. I recommend Avast! at http://www.avast.com/

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Does one have to purchase a separate anti Virus program for Windows Vista?

One needn't necessarily "purchase" an anti-virus application, as there
are some free (for personal use) products that will more than meet your
needs. But you most definitely do *need* to have a 3rd party anti-virus
solution installed, as Vista has *no* built-in anti-virus protection,
whatsoever. Two of the better and most popular are:

Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security - AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-virus/us/crp/6#details

The Computer Shop that sold me my new PC told me that Virus protection
is provided as part of Windows Vista.

They either deliberately lied or are woefully ignorant of all things
computer-related. Either way, and for either reason, I'd strongly
recommend that you never do any business with them again. If, for some
reason, you simply must patronize this shop, be sure to do your homework
ahead of time and don't ever take any of their advice on technical issues.

Immediately turned the PC on I received a message recommending that I
purchase an anti Virus program.

Correct. That's the Security Center warning you that you have a very
serious security vulnerability. However, you need not "purchase" an
anti-virus application, just install one.

I am confused. Please provided me advice on the Anti Virus issue.

Disconnect the computer from the Internet until you have a good
anti-virus solution in place.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[John Barnett MVP]

I think the staff in the Computer shop where you purchased your PC need
re-educating. Vista doesn't contain any anti virus software and neither has
any other version of Windows, for that matter. It contains a firewall and
anti spyware software, but that is all.

I suggest you download the 'free' versions of either AVG anti virus
(http://free.grisoft.com) or Avast anti virus (http://www.avast.com)

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Dave T.]

Does one have to purchase a separate anti Virus program for Windows Vista?

The Computer Shop that sold me my new PC told me that Virus protection
is provided as part of Windows Vista.

Immediately turned the PC on I received a message recommending that I
purchase an anti Virus program.

I am confused. Please provided me advice on the Anti Virus issue.

Bill Welner

Is it possible that what they meant was that an AV program has been
installed to the hard drive from the OEM, but the OP must buy a license?
My machine came with Norton, but it was only good for a couple of months
and then they wanted money. I dumped it for Avast.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Is it possible that what they meant was that an AV program has been
installed to the hard drive from the OEM, but the OP must buy a license?
My machine came with Norton, but it was only good for a couple of months
and then they wanted money. I dumped it for Avast.

It is often true that software (of various types) is bundled with a
computer when it is sold. It doesn't have to be a trial version, as it
was in your case. For example, some computers come with Microsoft
Office, some with Microsoft Works, and some with Corel WordPerfect.

However, software's coming with the *computer* is very different from
such software coming with Windows. The OP was told that it came with
Windows, and that is simply false. He was either lied to or sold a
computer by an ignorant salesperson.

 

[Richard Urban]

Vista does not contain an antivirus program but the computer manufacturer
may have included a trial version of some AV as part of their software
package.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

 

[munchie]

You got bad information from the computer shop. No version of Windows
has ever come with Virus protection.

Unfortunately, getting misinformation from clerks in stores selling
computers is common, especially if the stores are of the big chain
variety--BestBuy, Circuit City, CompUSA, etc. Most of these places
choose the people they hire based on their willingness to accept
something close to minimum wage, not based on their skills. If these
people knew anything, almost certainly they could get a better
job.

However, you can download and install excellent freeware antivirus
software. I recommend Avast! athttp://www.avast.com/

As someone who works at one of those "big computer shops", I'd like to
say that some of us do the job because we genuinely like talking-to
and education people. That said, no, Windows does not come with any
built-in antivirus software--though Microsoft does sell their own
which I whole-heartily would NOT recommend.

From what I've seen, some of your best choices for antivirus software

include Kaspersky, Nod32, and Trend Micro. If you're looking for some
additional antispyware protection then definitely checkout Webroot
Spysweeper and PC Tool's Spyware Doctor (not to be confused with the
malicious Spyware Dr.)

You can run many antispyware programs if you desire, but stay away
from running multiple antivirus programs. They'll eat eachother
alive!

-- Munchie

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

William

Find another computer store.

Windows has NO native av protection. Use AVG or Avast free versions, or if
you don't mind paying, NOD32 is good.

Avoid any solution from Symantec or McAfee..

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

As someone who works at one of those "big computer shops", I'd like to
say that some of us do the job because we genuinely like talking-to
and education people.

I certainly don't suggest that no employee of such a store knows
anything. My point is rather that few of them do, and therefore
relying on what you are told there is foolhardy. If you are an
exception, I'm glad to hear it.

You can run many antispyware programs if you desire, but stay away
from running multiple antivirus programs. They'll eat eachother
alive!

No, there's nothing wrong with installing and even running multiple
anti-virus programs. What you should not do is run them
*simultaneously*.

 

[Chris Game]

May I personnaly suggest you NOT get AVG antivirus (the free edition).

Why? It tests well.

 

[Leythos]

Why? It tests well.

Every computer that we've seen using AVG in a couple Sororities was
compromised while running updated and properly installed AVG. Only the
MAC, PC's with Symantec Corporate Edition and one with Computer Assoc AV
software have remained uncompromised over the last 3 years.

--

Leythos
- Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
- Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"
(e-mail address removed) (remove 999 for proper email address)

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

I've seen too many cases of infected systems that had AVG AV (free edition). It's a case of you get what you pay for and of other products being more effective and sturdy.

 

[S. Viatoris]

Does one have to purchase a separate anti Virus program for Windows Vista?

The Computer Shop that sold me my new PC told me that Virus protection is
provided as part of Windows Vista.

Immediately turned the PC on I received a message recommending that I
purchase an anti Virus program.

I am confused. Please provided me advice on the Anti Virus issue.

Bill Welner

I just got my computer from BestBuy. They installed TrendMicro Anti-Virus.
It was humming along just fine. Suddenly, this morning, the Security Center
says it can't find my anti-virus program. TrendMicro is definitely running.
Can you help me understand what is going on? How can I convince Vista
Security Center that TrendMicro is running and that I want it to monitor this
anti-virus program? Thanks!

 

[Gordon]

I just got my computer from BestBuy. They installed TrendMicro
Anti-Virus.
It was humming along just fine. Suddenly, this morning, the Security
Center
says it can't find my anti-virus program. TrendMicro is definitely
running.
Can you help me understand what is going on? How can I convince Vista
Security Center that TrendMicro is running and that I want it to monitor
this
anti-virus program? Thanks!

And how is that related to the post to which you replied?
Please start a new thread for a new problem.
Thank you.

 

[gullette]

Just for the record, I've gotten some very good information from some of the
clerks I've dealt with at BestBuy and CompUSA along with some bad information
from others at the same places. I've found it really to be no different than
the ratio at places hiring "only the best". Some of the worst information
I've seen spread around has come from the so-called and sometimes self-called
experts on internet forums. Of course some of the best information comes
from those sources as well. I'm sure you would like to consider yourself
among that latter group, so I might offer a suggestion that you be a bit more
careful with such comments in the future. While your own sample may be
skewed in the direction you indicated, it can be, at best, only a
representation of a tiny subset of all the many fine folks who are working in
those positions without the arrogance it perhaps requires to be an internet
forum "expert". Thanks.

 

[Beoweolf]

The difference?
In a commercial venue - you should expect a "professional" would know what
he or she is taking about.
For Free - well, free advice comes with a built in caution. Common sense
dictates that, generally, you get what you pay for. When dealing with a
forum, you learn who gives good advice, who doesn't - eventually you learn
to read, research old posts ad archives, even wait a day or two giving many
people a chance to offer a solution before trying to act on the advice.
Matter of fact, it would be better to even research the advice for yourself
after you find a likely solution/answer.

No doubt there are questionable replies to messages on forums. You can not
expect a warranty for "free" information. I find it strange when someone
posts to a forum/BBS...usually because they do not want to spend the money
to hire a consultant/professional or are the end result of proof that the
"peter principle" is still alive and well.

My way of thinking about forums is much like using a library or dictionary
in particular. You have to know a little bit about the subject before you
try to use them. If you know nothing - then hire a professional.

 

[Beoweolf]

Answering questions on a forum is all too often limited by the lack of
information the OP provides. Even worse, more often than not, what is listed
as the problem often has nothing at all to do with the root problem.

The arrogance is usually on the part of the OP, he or she wrongly assumes
that solutions are nothing more than pushing a few buttons. Much of the
'problem', as I see it is Microsoft has done such a good job - with
automatic installation, default configurations, developed wizards for most
everything...that totally unqualified people are in positions way above
their skill levels.

Agreed, we all had to learn somewhere, but you don't learn, on a production
system, at the expense of your employer. Combined that with common
reluctance to actually read a manual once in a while and you get a pretty
good idea of the quality of the questions that permeate the board. Very
seldom do you see a really interesting problem, presented in a way that
doesn't require 3 more messages just to detail what the real problem is.
That is what worth the time of experts, the very people you choose to
disparage.

The rest of the us, including my meager efforts, answer questions because we
hope, one day, someone will return the favor when we are at a loss.