Java update

[Jan]

Have had this pc since '03; today for the first time, a 'Java Update'
appeared in the task bar. Is it for real or something to do with SP3 which
was installed last month?

 

[Leonard Grey]

Java is produced by Sun Microsystems and is used frequently by web pages
(and elsewhere). It's important to keep Java updated, since updates
frequently include security patches. If you have a 2003 version of the
software it is dangerously out of date.

You can configure Java to alert you when an update is available, but for
now you should go to Sun's website:

http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

You want the "Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 11". Be sure to
/carefully/ follow the installation instructions.

 

[Jan]

Thanks so much for your prompt reply! I'm usually good at checking for
updates on my software; don't know how I missed this one. I had no idea what
that icon was and haven't changed any preferences so don't know why all of a
sudden it popped up. Did go to Sun (thanks for the link) and just skimmed the
install instructions & will get into it later. BTW, know anything about
antivirus software? Been searching for the best way to switch from Norton to
McAfee. Don't know if I should uninstall Norton from add/remove programs or
download their Norton Removal Tool.

 

[Leonard Grey]

You won't find much enthusiasm for either Norton or McAfee software
here. And it's hard to fathom why you would want to change from one
bloated, resource hogging suite to another.

Norton software can be very difficult to remove completely. Even when
you /think/ you're finally rid of it, it comes back to bite you. Follow
the uninstall directions from Symantec and do you use the Norton Removal
Tool.

 

[Jan]

Simple: Norton is a paid subscription and Mcafee will be free through Cox
internet. What antivirus software do you recommend?

 

[Jim]

Simple: Norton is a paid subscription and Mcafee will be free through Cox
internet. What antivirus software do you recommend?

I use NOD32. Personally, I would not use either of the ones you mentioned
even if they paid me.
Jim

 

[Leonard Grey]

I used Norton software for years and never paid a dime. It's widely
available with rebates (as is McAfee software).

First and foremost, you have to choose the software that works best for
you. Then you try to buy it at the best price. The mere fact that a
program is free does not mean it's best for you.

Here are the chief complaints that many of us have against Norton and
McAfee software:

1- They're bloated.
2- They slow your computer.
3- They interfere with other programs.
4- Their support is awful.
5- They're tough to remove from your computer.

The chief advantage of Norton and McAfee brand software is that they
provide soup to nuts protection for people who are not savvy enough to
deal with complicated anti-malware tools. And since it's far better to
be protected than not to be protected, these brands have their audience.
If you're in that audience, you are better off with Norton and McAfee
than with other software that has a steeper learning curve.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Simple: Norton is a paid subscription and Mcafee will be free through Cox
internet. What antivirus software do you recommend?

I'm not Leonard, but I recommend against both of those, too,
regardless of whether or not either is free. I think the best
anti-virus product on the market is NOD32. There's a fee for its use,
though, and if you want a free product that's almost as good, I
recommend either Avast or Avira.

 

[smlunatick]

Simple: Norton is a paid subscription and Mcafee will be free through Cox
internet. What antivirus software do you recommend?

I do not recommend subscription versions of any antivirus, thru any
ISPs. These softwares require a constant Internet access so if there
is a service "outage," the software will "lock" down the PC, making it
difficult to use.

 

[Jan]

I did use McAfee for years with no issues. Then my new 03 pc came with a
trial Norton version and have used that ever since with no issues EXCEPT for
the 07 version. I spent the extra $10 per year to update the version instead
of just extending my subscription. Never saw rebates available at the time my
subscription expired, probably cause January is when the new versions came
out. I have heard a lot of bad things about both, so we'll see. I think I
have 10 days to do it. Thanks again for your help and quick responses.

 

[Gerry]

Jan

No problem with detection rates for McAfee or Norton but like the others
I would have anything but on my computer. I rely on freeware software.

How much RAM is installed and what is your CPU

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Jan]

512 MB Ram / Intel Pentium 4

Jan

No problem with detection rates for McAfee or Norton but like the others
I would have anything but on my computer. I rely on freeware software.

How much RAM is installed and what is your CPU

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Mick Murphy]

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Pick your poison from the above to remove Norton.

Norton Trend, and Mcafee are all bloted software suites.
You need individual programs to do the proper job.
I use Avast AV, and other Security programs listed below.
It is a good combination for XP and Vista.

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Avast Anti-Virus is XP and Vista compatible (32bit and 64bit Versions),
FREE, auto-updating, and a low resources user of your computer.
And, only have 1(one) Anti-Virus installed / running on your computer at any
one time..
Conflicts may occur if you have more than 1(one).

http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html

Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6 is a very good, FREE Anti-Spyware Program.
Download, install, update, and immunize your System with it.
Then SCAN with it.
Update it, and scan your System once a fortnight.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

SpywareBlaster 4.1 is a non-intrusive, FREE Anti-Spyware Program (no
scanning by you!).
SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of many so-called spyware, adware
and malware programs by disabling the CLSIDs of popular spyware ActiveX
controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them via a webpage
Update it once a fortnight.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Malwarebytes is as the name says, a Malware Remover!
For the Free version scroll down their page to either download from
Download.com, or Major Geeks.com

Download, install, and update.

 

[MikeR]

Simple: Norton is a paid subscription and Mcafee will be free through Cox
internet. What antivirus software do you recommend?

<rant on>
Comcast also offers Mcafee for free. I put it on my laptop and was unable to ever
complete a scan. While it was running(hours & hours), the PC was pretty well useless.
Mcafee doesn't support it (maybe a Good Thing). Comcast is clueless about any issues
with it.
<rant off>

I've been using AVG free and it seems to to the job.
GL & HTH
Mike

 

[smlunatick]

I did use McAfee for years with no issues. Then my new 03 pc came with a
trial Norton version and have used that ever since with no issues EXCEPT for
the 07 version. I spent the extra $10 per year to update the version instead
of just extending my subscription. Never saw rebates available at the time my
subscription expired, probably cause January is when the new versions came
out. I have heard a lot of bad things about both, so we'll see. I think I
have 10 days to do it. Thanks again for your help and quick responses.

Most newer versions of Norton and McAfee tend to appear mid August to
September. In time for the Christmas rush.

 

[Gerry]

Jan

Anything below 512 mb RAM can struggle with Windows XP. Add McAfee or
Norton and system performance with 512 mb RAM is likely to be sluggish
at times.

AVG 8.0 Anti- Virus, Spybot S & D, Windows Defender and the Windows
Firewall here. They manage to keep me and my grandchildren out of
trouble.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~