WinXP Pro SP2: Is this MS Security Package adequate?

[Robert L. Murphy]

In Feb2005, I purchased a Dell computer with Windows XP Professional SP2.
The package included a year of free McAfee SecruityCenter. In addition, I
downloaded MS AntiSpyware Beta1. And every month I download the Microsoft
malicious-software-removal tool. Within the next week the free Security
Center will expire and I have to pay for the service. It seems a reasonable
price considering other packages that I have investigated. My wife works for
a nearby University and as a perk receives a free Norton Antivirus Software
Package (NAVSP). Don't know which version of NAVSP.

So my questions are:

1. Will the standard Win XP SP2 Microsoft Security Package be adequate
to protect my computer from all forms of internet: virii, adware, malware,
etc?

2. Is it reasonable to complement the Microsoft Security Center with an
added protection like NAVSP.

3. Is it difficult to delete (uninstall) the McAfee with affecting the
MS Security or a new firewall/virus protection package.

4. Any other suggestions would be very helpful.



Thank you and regards,

BobM

 

[Robert Moir]

In Feb2005, I purchased a Dell computer with Windows XP Professional
SP2. The package included a year of free McAfee SecruityCenter. In
addition, I downloaded MS AntiSpyware Beta1. And every month I
download the Microsoft malicious-software-removal tool. Within the
next week the free Security Center will expire and I have to pay for
the service. It seems a reasonable price considering other packages
that I have investigated. My wife works for a nearby University and
as a perk receives a free Norton Antivirus Software Package (NAVSP).
Don't know which version of NAVSP.
So my questions are:

1. Will the standard Win XP SP2 Microsoft Security Package be
adequate to protect my computer from all forms of internet: virii,
adware, malware, etc?
No.

2. Is it reasonable to complement the Microsoft Security Center
with an added protection

Yes. Actually not so much "reasonable" as "essential".

like NAVSP.

No. Your computer, your choice, but I don't like NAV and I don't know many
people 'in the trade' who do. There are lots of free or keenly priced
alternatives out there.

3. Is it difficult to delete (uninstall) the McAfee with
affecting the MS Security or a new firewall/virus protection package.

I think I've read that people have had problems. I would check your McAfee
documentation and their website for uninstall instructions and follow them
carefully.

4. Any other suggestions would be very helpful.

Actually, I might disagree with the NAV choice but you seem to be on track
with asking the right kinds of questions. You might check the following
website out: http://www.claymania.com/nav-map.html


--
--
Rob Moir, MS MVP
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ - http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked "Have you
checked (event viewer / syslog)".

 

[Guest]

Thank You Mr Moir. Appreciate the help. bob m