Using anti-virus and security on Vista

[M.Butzin]

I expect they meant that they could only be responsible for what they
install - beyond that you're on your own.

Bradleywold,
My wife's Gateway Laptop came with Norton pre installed on it, I think they
aare jerking your chain...
MB

 

[Guest]

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

 

[Rock]

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered
and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that
I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my
own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop
with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like
to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

That's BS. I use Avast free for AV on Vista Ultimate. It works fine.

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "bradleywold" <[email protected]>

| I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
| hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
| had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
| protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
| anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
| version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
| because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
| XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
| know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
| programs, and call them liars. Thanks
| --
| Brad

Avast will happily work on Vista.

As for anti spyware, I suggest SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

 

[Malke]

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

This is complete and utter garbage and typical of Best Buy. This just
happened to a client of mine; luckily she called me first and was
prepared. What Best Buy does is offer a really good deal on a computer,
sometimes even with a printer thrown in. Then they'll do what is called
an "up-sell"; i.e., try to sell you "enhancements" such as their
antivirus, their setup, their "fixing" the printer to work with Vista
(just means downloading the proper drivers from the printer mftr.'s
website), etc. It was going to cost my client $300 more (plus the cost
for the antivirus program) for this nonsense! So the "great deal" on the
computer (which was really just a loss-leader anyway) isn't such a great
deal any more.

If you still want the Geek Squad to come to your house and hook you up,
that's fine if you really don't feel you can do this yourself. It isn't
very difficult. Or consider calling around and seeing what an
independent local computer professional would charge instead. Most of us
computer pros who deal with home and small business users do not charge
as much as the Geek Squad and usually do a better job. Ask friends for
recommendations.


Malke

 

[Drew T]

Bradleywold,

Your computer comes with the preinstalled Antivirus & Vista installs Windows
Defender. With the initial startup these two will be in use but by no means
are you limited to these. In fact, I first disabled Mcafee's trial & Windows
Defender immediately and installed my beloved Kaspersky IS 6. Kaspersky
works so well that I only use Windows Defender on a weekly basis just to
make sure no spyware has snuck through. But again, Kaspersky works so well
I'm confident that I don't need 'Defender' at all times.
But yes, you can uninstall & install any software you wish, it's your
computer now, not Best Buy's.

Drew
..

 

[ray]

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

I expect they meant that they could only be responsible for what they
install - beyond that you're on your own.

 

[Richard Urban]

The sales people at Best Buy are not well informed or well trained. What can
you expect at the wages Best Buy pays.

The only knowledgeable person in the computer isles is likely a shopper who
has computers as his/her hobby.

--


Regards,

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

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[mikeyhsd]

just a selling technique to get more profits.

tell them you intend to use a virus program/firewall of your choice and do not install theirs or take the computer back.

there are several virus/firewall programs that work just find on vista 32 or 64 bit.



(e-mail address removed)



I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

 

[Guest]

--
Brad

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

I have read all the post so far, and most of them are helpful and has
answered my questions and concerns. I appreciate them. They have convince
me to take a trip to Best Buy, and have a little talk with the manager (tell
them how much they are liars), and cancel the Geek Squad trip to my house,
and hook that desktop myself, and try and install my own programs. Trial and
error. Thanks for your post. I am sure I will be back.

 

[Doris Day - MFB]

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered
and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that
I had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and
spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my
own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop
with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like
to know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2
software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

Geek Squad is on par with Video Professor and MVPs. Learn to find some real
technical assistance when you need it. Not the wannabes.

Love and Kisses,
Doris

--
My Microsoft Hero (he loves this company!) ... http://tinyurl.com/yp9cn2
Installing: Windows vs Linux ... http://tinyurl.com/ywqmbw
BallmerBumBois: Frank, Julian, Richard Urban, Jupiter Jones, Harry Krause,
Feliks Dzerzhinsky
Sorry if I missed anyone, place your name here _________________.

 

[Guest]

-- Bradley,
Vista comes with Windows Defender, a Firewall, anti-spy, anti-malware, popup
blocker, phishing filter and automatic update. It has System Restore which is
added protection for when the worse happens. Don't disable this, but reduce
its GB usage if need be. It is a hog. These things can be found in Control
Panel along with their status.
Vista doesn't come with antivirus of it's own, but includes one that you
have to pay for. You can easily get rid of this and download a free AV off
the net. Avast is quite good and unintrusive. And FREE.
Remember to have only one of each of the above working at one time. You can
research that point. For instance, Windows tells you not to have more than
one Firewall.
All you need is antivirus. You already have the rest. And you don't have to
pay a penny. Good luck, Wayne. PS - Make sure you don't void your
warranty. Read the fine print and see what you signed.



Wayne L.

 

[mikeyhsd]

what you might do Bradley is check in your area for a computer club.
library and /or schools are good places to check.



(e-mail address removed)




--
Brad

I bought a desktop this past weekend from Best Buy. It will be delivered and
hooked up this coming week from Geek Squad. But the salesman told me that I
had to used their anti-virus software (don't know what it is) and spyware
protection for Vista. In other words I could not use any freeware or my own
anti-virus or Spyware protection. I am currently using Avast Home free
version, and Webroot Spyware from MSN, because I have MSN as an ISP. And
because I also have Comcast broadband, I use McAfee on my other laptop with
XP. So is the true or is Best Buy giving me a bunch of BS? I would like to
know before the Geek Squad hooks it up, so I might return the 2 software
programs, and call them liars. Thanks

I have read all the post so far, and most of them are helpful and has
answered my questions and concerns. I appreciate them. They have convince
me to take a trip to Best Buy, and have a little talk with the manager (tell
them how much they are liars), and cancel the Geek Squad trip to my house,
and hook that desktop myself, and try and install my own programs. Trial and
error. Thanks for your post. I am sure I will be back.

 

[Guest]

--
Brad

This is complete and utter garbage and typical of Best Buy. This just
happened to a client of mine; luckily she called me first and was
prepared. What Best Buy does is offer a really good deal on a computer,
sometimes even with a printer thrown in. Then they'll do what is called
an "up-sell"; i.e., try to sell you "enhancements" such as their
antivirus, their setup, their "fixing" the printer to work with Vista
(just means downloading the proper drivers from the printer mftr.'s
website), etc. It was going to cost my client $300 more (plus the cost
for the antivirus program) for this nonsense! So the "great deal" on the
computer (which was really just a loss-leader anyway) isn't such a great
deal any more.

If you still want the Geek Squad to come to your house and hook you up,
that's fine if you really don't feel you can do this yourself. It isn't
very difficult. Or consider calling around and seeing what an
independent local computer professional would charge instead. Most of us
computer pros who deal with home and small business users do not charge
as much as the Geek Squad and usually do a better job. Ask friends for
recommendations.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Thanks Malke, Your post was very helpful. I saved your webpage on my
bookmarks, and took your advice. I am now typing on the new desktop. I
picked it up Wedensday, and had it running on Thursday. I hooked it up
myself, cancelling the Geek Squad from coming out, and the two virus and
spyware programs that they tried to sell me.
So far, so good, but I did have some problems with installing McAfee on
the Vista. It kept disconnecting me my broadband. So someone was right.
Vista does have a hard time with McAfee. I un-installed it and put in my
good old standby-Avast. So now I am staying connected, and building up my
IE7 and other programs that I like. Thanks to all.