Avast after windowa 7 install

[Al Smith]

You know...I've run many different anti-malware applications over the
last decade or so since it's become pertinent and just haven't snagged
much. Maybe it's because I'm single and don't have teens using my
computer, or maybe it's because I don't download malware ridden files
preferring to actually purchase intellectual properties instead of
stealing them...or perhaps it's because I don't have a porn habit?

Have you been able to snag a considerable amount of malware with your apps?

Do you really have the free time and computer power to waste running and
configuring numerous security applications when you can just run
Microsoft's Security Essentials, practice intelligent computing, perform
regular backups and have a life?

Do you really think Microsoft is watching you and if so have you found a
good tin hat supplier?

To answer your questions, the one and only time I contracted a
real virus was through a ZIP disk that came with my new ZIP drive
(someone had open the package, infected the install disk, then put
it back into the package -- I assume probably an employee of the
place I bought it, Future Shop, since they would have the easiest
access. Otherwise, somebody bought the product, infected the disk,
returned it, and Future Shop sold it as new. That was many years
ago. I haven't had a virus since ... but I practice safe Web
surfing, and I seldom install "iffy" software (not never, but
infrequently).

And yes, I really do think Microsoft is determined to gain as much
information as possible on all its customers. Information is
power, and it is money. I don't trust Microsoft at all. They have
demonstrated, time and again, in the courts, that they engage in
criminal practices.

-Al-

 

[Charles Tomaras]

And yes, I really do think Microsoft is determined to gain as much
information as possible on all its customers. Information is power, and it
is money. I don't trust Microsoft at all. They have demonstrated, time and
again, in the courts, that they engage in criminal practices.

\
Please cite ANYTHING that shows Microsoft has used identifiable customer
information for criminal purposes.

Would you really want to use any AV type of software that doesn't report
back findings and communicate with the signature makers? Wouldn't matter
what real company I did my AV business with, I'd always check the yes box
and offer to report anything found. Thankfully Microsoft is very good about
asking first.

 

[Al Smith]

\
Please cite ANYTHING that shows Microsoft has used identifiable customer
information for criminal purposes.

Would you really want to use any AV type of software that doesn't report
back findings and communicate with the signature makers? Wouldn't matter
what real company I did my AV business with, I'd always check the yes box
and offer to report anything found. Thankfully Microsoft is very good about
asking first.

In so far as it is possible, I prevent all my software from
reporting anything at all, of any kind. I cut my software off from
the Internet, as much as I can. This makes using my computer more
restful. As to what uses the software companies might put my
information to, I don't know and I don't care ... I didn't
volunteer to give them my information and they have no right to
collect it. This is part of my general computer security -- the
less communication between my computer and the Internet that I
don't know about, the better.

-Al-

 

[Charles Tomaras]

In so far as it is possible, I prevent all my software from reporting
anything at all, of any kind. I cut my software off from the Internet, as
much as I can. This makes using my computer more restful. As to what uses
the software companies might put my information to, I don't know and I
don't care ... I didn't volunteer to give them my information and they
have no right to collect it. This is part of my general computer
security -- the less communication between my computer and the Internet
that I don't know about, the better.

Guess I've always felt better opting in to reporting errors and for sharing
any virus information, browser information and other stuff which helps
improve the quality of my favorite software applications and OS. I just
figure that if everyone contributes anonymous information about that stuff,
computing will be better for everyone. I'm not a NIMBY and I believe lots of
people making small contributions actually helps in computing and life.

 

[Al Smith]

Guess I've always felt better opting in to reporting errors and for sharing
any virus information, browser information and other stuff which helps
improve the quality of my favorite software applications and OS. I just
figure that if everyone contributes anonymous information about that stuff,
computing will be better for everyone. I'm not a NIMBY and I believe lots of
people making small contributions actually helps in computing and life.

I try to make contributions also, by giving stuff away for free on
the Internet, and by offering what helpful suggestions I can offer
on Usenet. But as for my private data, that I don't share -- not
voluntarily, at least.

-Al-