McAfee Security Center - new Dim3000

Question

Just took delivery and set up a Dimension 3000 with WinXP Pro. It includes McAfee Viruscan, of which I was unaware at the time of purchase.   I subscribe to MSN and got a free online virus scanner through that. Unfortunately, it won't allow updating virus signatures unless you're logged in with an administrator account. Note that I'm using XP Pro, not home. I've set this up (it's my kid's computer) so the primary account is not an administrator account.   Considering that, some questions:   Will the virus signatures update automatically for a non-administrator? (I'm not impressed that virus signatures are updated only weekly by McAfee.)   How long does the subscription last? I can't find that info.   What's the advantage, if any, of McAfee personal firewall vs the Windows XP sp2 standard? I don't want my kids bugged with lots of popup confirmations because they won't understand it, anyway. It appears that McAfee reviews filters outbound as well as inbound. Correct?

Texruss · Answer

>Will the virus signatures update automatically for a non-administrator?

Yes, they should.

>(I'm not impressed that virus signatures are updated only weekly by McAfee.)

"These fully tested DATs are released on a weekly basis. If necessary, they are also released when a Medium, Medium On Watch, or High risk threat is discovered. An EXTRA.DAT will also be posted for these more prevalent threats, if necessary."
---- http://vil.mcafeesecurity.com/vil/included-in-dat.htm

>How long does the subscription last? I can't find that info.

Typically 90 days or one year with the Dells. Check your paper invoice or input your Service Tag Number into Dell's online support and pull up the digital invoice of items included with the PC.

>What's the advantage, if any, of McAfee personal firewall vs the Windows XP sp2 standard? It appears that McAfee reviews filters outbound as well as inbound.

Your second correct statement is the main advantage. However, I'm not a big fan of McAfee or Symantec at the time being. I'm using AVG free edition AV and the Windows Firewall for SP2.

I also run Spybot's proactive defenses, IE-Spyad, a HOSTS protective file, SpywareBlaster, and SpywareGuard, as well as Cleanup! and Adaware run regularly.

I feel quite protected. These are all free by the way. *;-) I've never had a successful attack by any adware or spyware, much less a virus or worm.

HTH,

Texruss

ChrisCowles · Answer

Thanks for the time spent responding.   I already have a subscription to CA EZ-AV and am happy with the product, but help is horrible. I have it only because I had the free version in the past and upgraded with a cheap annual subscription when the free version was discontinued. When my subscription runs out, I'll abandon it in favor of another, to be determined.   I'll probably just use the Windows firewall because I don't want any pop-ups asking my kids what to do. They won't understand it and my 12 year old will just click OK for anything, anyway.

Virus & Spyware

McAfee Security Center - new Dim3000

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