Windows Defender

[DarkDTSHD]

Is WD an anti-virus protection software? It does allowyou to run scans for mallware. Does it grab virus definitions? Is it a substitute for a decent internet security program? Or should I download one like McAfee?

I ask because I've been having troubles with Norton's security software provided free by Roger's Communications. My ISP. Anti-virus just won't turn on. I would uninstall the entire Norton suite and reinstall. Nothing changes. I'm guessing some hidden file is sitting on my HD and is corrupted. Stopping me from switching ON Norton anti-virus.

But I do have it installed on my desktop and haven't had a problem. And I don't plan to reformat. Tempted to download and pay for another brand like McAfee.

Ideas? Comments?

[glc]

No, it's antispyware and does a decent job at that.

Download AVG Free antivirus at http://free.grisoft.com

[DarkDTSHD]

No, it's antispyware and does a decent job at that.

Download AVG Free antivirus at http://free.grisoft.com

This one is good? Where does this one get their definitions? And thanks for the recommendation. :)

[rjfvillarosa]

Where does this one get their definitions?
http://www.grisoft.com/
AVG 7.5 free version is very highly thought of around here, you will need to follow the link glc gave you to download the free for home use version.

[DarkDTSHD]

http://www.grisoft.com/
AVG 7.5 free version is very highly thought of around here, you will need to follow the link glc gave you to download the free for home use version.

Just downloaded and installed it. Updated it even. Nice to know some things are still free. Hope it stays this way for AVG. Or that they at least continue to offer a free version. But where do they get their new definitions?? :)

[rjfvillarosa]

They have their on researchers and programmers and like all the other Antivirus software manufacturers they probably share information.

[DarkDTSHD]

They have their on researchers and programmers and like all the other Antivirus software manufacturers they probably share information.

Ok. But do you (or any one else) know where the companies get the definitions? Do they download them from a central server and link their own anti-virus software to the "supply"?

Thanks for the link glc! :)

[rjfvillarosa]

I am no expert in this field but as far as I know, they have researchers who are constantly monitoring the internet for virus like activity, they have sacraficial computers that are allowed to catch viruses and are then analysed as to how to deal with the virus, they rely on people reporting strange activity and applications on their computers via forums and feedback.
The methods they use are vast and various, if you go to any of the Antivirus manufacturers websites you will see different viruses listed and the different names that each of the manufacturers have given to a virus they have detected, I believe that they cooperate with one another sharing information and deciding upon names and definitions for the viruses they detect, probably some kind of industry standard.
They build their own virus definition data bases using their own resources and shared information. I doubt very much if it is a public server of any description.

[DarkDTSHD]

I am no expert in this field but as far as I know, they have researchers who are constantly monitoring the internet for virus like activity, they have sacraficial computers that are allowed to catch viruses and are then analysed as to how to deal with the virus, they rely on people reporting strange activity and applications on their computersvia forums and feedback.
The methods they use are vast and various, if you go to any of the Antivirus manufacturers websites you will see different viruses listed and the different names that each of the manufacturers have given to a virus they have detected, I believe that they cooperate with one another sharing information and deciding upon names and definitions for the viruses they detect, probably some kind of industry standard.
They build their own virus definition data bases using their own resources and shared information. I doubt very much if it is a public server of any description.

Ok thanks. That sounds very possible. :) Any how time to move onto other things. Have a good week!