Windows Security Center and antivirus updates

[Paul]

My update notifications for my antivirus program is goofing up. Someone told
me that Windows Security Center will notify me if av definitions are older
than 7 days. Is this true? I have always had the security center service
disabled. If I turn it on again, can I have it set only to come into the
System Tray and notify me if something is wrong?
--
Paul

MS Office Pro 2003
XP Home
Dell Inspiron 1501

 

[peter]

Windows Security Center just monitors the fact that you have an up to date
Anti virus program installed.
The Anti Virus program you are using should be set to update
itself....fairly frequently.
If your AV definitions are 7 days old you have left the back door open for
any virus created in that time frame to get in...that number by the way is
in the 1000's......
If you update AV regularly then Security Center will have nothing to notify
you about.

peter

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

IF (1) (Windows) Security Center and your AV app are both working properly
AND (2) your anti-virus application is not configured as the default
Security Center (e.g., NAV & other Norton apps), yes, that's how it works.

If Security Center is enabled AND everything's working properly, you should
only see its icon in Notification Area (AKA systray) if there's a problem.

Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place with Security Center
in Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wscintro.mspx

 

[Paul]

Great--that answers the question, PA Bear.
--
Paul

MS Office Pro 2003
XP Home
Dell Inspiron 1501

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Thanks for your feedback.

Great--that answers the question, PA Bear.