Bloatware

When you buy a new computer you will likely find many programs installed that you did not want. Many of these will be for trial periods of fee-based programs. In this case I am talking specifically about McAfee antivirus. It will have been installed and running just fine, but after some trial period like 30 or 60 days they will require you to PAY to keep their product working.

I will limit my comments about bloatware here, but I have to say it infuriates me.

In this case, a customer wrote: "I'm hoping you can help with a problem on my new computer. I'm trying to download AVG on my new computer now that the free 30 day McAfee has expired and the installation message is that it requires the internet and to list my server and port. Any suggestions? Super Anti Spyware installed with no problem. Thanks much!"
 
This is my reply:

"I do not recommend AVG anymore. Instead, I strongly recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. It too is free and has less overhead than AVG, has no marketing gimmicks or pressure on you, updates automatically, and, as far as I can see does an equal or better job of protecting you.

You will need to uninstall McAfee before installing any other antivirus program.

The first thing you should do is download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). You can do that here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When downloading MSE you will need to specify whether you have a 32 bit system or a 64 bit system. I assume you have Windows 7? The stickers on your keyboard should indicate which you have.

See my blog entry here for my recommended security baseline suite:

http://pcdocsblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-recommended-security-baseline.html

Before installing MSE you need to uninstall McAfee. If you like doing this stuff on your own, follow the instructions here:

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

Be sure to reboot after a successful removal of McAfee.

Now install MSE.

If you don't want to do this yourself, I can do it for you online with a remote control session. Or, if this is a laptop you can take it back to Best Buy (or wherever you bought it) and tell them to remove the McAfee. They should do that at no charge."

Windows Updates

14 updates today for my XP system. One of them, as usual, was the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).  I just started a full scan as a part of this monthly activity. If you do this too, be sure that the program is the December version. START/RUN/MRT/OK.