Windows defender definition updates - are they cumulative?

[Andy]

On my vista ultimate 32 bit, I have set automatic updates to notify only.
When the new defender update notice comes up, it is about 3 - 400 KB in size.
When I go to the defender site to get the update, it is always about 12MB.
I keep the download for my other machines. My question is do I have to keep
the older definition updates when I reinstall my windows in the future?

 

[Bill Sanderson]

No and yes.

The defs as distributed by AU and WU are usually, but not always, NOT
cumulative. The defs as distributed at the security
portal--www.microsoft.com/security--are ALWAYS cumulative.

No--don't bother to keep the old def updates--just hit WU once after you
reinstall, or grab the update from the portal.

WU is smart enough to give you what you need.

On my vista ultimate 32 bit, I have set automatic updates to notify only.
When the new defender update notice comes up, it is about 3 - 400 KB in
size.
When I go to the defender site to get the update, it is always about 12MB.
I keep the download for my other machines. My question is do I have to
keep
the older definition updates when I reinstall my windows in the future?

--

 

[Andy]

Bill,

Thanks for the information. Now I know that I can just delete the 640+ MB
of previous definitions since I installed Vista about 9 months ago,
which happens to run very well, as opposed to many who claimed that Vista has
a lot of problems.

Andy

 

[Bill Sanderson]

If you install Defender from scratch, and then download what is posted at
the security portal, and run the download--it'll be up to date.

I find that I am looking on XP for some of the performance tuning tools that
are present on Vista and which I use, and find helpful.

 

[Andy]

Bill,

What XP tuning tools do you have in mind?

In Vista, I have disabled system restore (I use ghost on a monthly basis
before monthly updates for both vista and XP dual booting and my older XP),
and many other eye candy stuff. I have also disabled some of the services
according to black viper's site. I am using avast, spybotS&D together with
WD. I have never have any positive (real or false) using WD and MS malware
detection tool. Before checking on the NG, I used to think that the MS
products are not useful. Maybe I am mistaken. The only firewall I have is
the vista firewall and zone alarm (on XP). Is there any other malware
detection tool you can recommend for me?

Thanks again for your info.

Andy