Work of XP firewall and Microsoft AntiSpyware

[Guest]

Windows XP SP2, firewall XP, Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta version) are
installed on the computer and monitoring of the Antispyware are launched.
Symantrc Norton Antivirus is used as an antivirus program. The antivirus
program detected the virus Adware.MaxSeach on this computer. Symantec site
gives such an explanation of this virus:"Adware.MaxSearch is an Internet
Explorer toolbar that redirects hijacks searches to maxifind.com. This
program must be manually installed although there have been reports of this
program being downloaded as part of another programs installation. " The user
didn't install the virus program manually. We deleted this program with the
help of the Microsoft AntiSpyware.
I don't understand why firewall XP and the monitor of the Microsoft
AntiSpyware let this virus program to be installed without any warning?

 

[Steven L Umbach]

First off firewalls are NOT virus detection devices. They only manage tcp/ip
traffic based on rules that include IP address/port/protocol and sometimes
application. The Windows Firewall can have application rules but they only
manages unsolicited "inbound" traffic. Programs such as Microsoft
AntiSpyware monitor for spyware and not most MALWARE that would include
worms, trojans, and viruses. That is the job of your antivirus program.
Spyware and malware have many different characteristics where spyware mainly
affects your ability to browse the internet and can invade privacy. Malware
is bent on doing malicious damage or otherwise compromising your operating
system. --- Steve

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/default.mspx --- info on
viruses and worms
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx --- info on
spyware