RSS Feedmicrosoft antivirus, take two
Does anyone remember that wonderful “feature” of Microsoft Windows 3.x days called Microsoft Anti-Virus? Wow, if that wasn’t a horrible and completely worthless anti-virus package, I don’t know what is. Actually, wait, I can think of another worthless AV package. It’s called Microsoft OneCare and it’s the new antivirus, spyware prevention, and firewall all-in-one software that comes by default with as an option for Windows Vista. It was actually released in beta format for Windows XP in 2005 I think, but I could be wrong.
Where do I get the opinion that this new software addition to the Windows family will be worthless? Barring my own personal bias, from a number of other sites that have tested this product, one of which is The AV Comparatives Website. They recently performed a review of 17 antivirus software programs and recently released their report. Their findings showed Microsoft OneCare coming in at a pathetic last place showing with a detection rate of only 82.4% of the malware. You can see the news article discussing the findings here: Microsoft OneCare Last in Antivirus Tests
I am personally so close to switching to a Mac, if I could only afford the price tag of converting. I love Windows XP, don’t get me wrong. I am terrified though of Vista and what it will do to not only my machine, but the unsuspecting home users that are going to be assimilated to this new bloatware. So, when the time comes that Vista is a requirement, you just might see me with a brand new, shiny MacBook.
And I promise not to complain about the price tag too much.
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March 5th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Just a heads up to those looking at purchasing a new laptop from Dell… There is now no option for a Windows XP install… it’s all Vista… I was hesitant to order one just because of that fact (since it wasn’t for me)… Also, OneCare does not come preloaded on any Windows Vista box… I think you’re thinking of WIndows Defender (which is just a malware prevention tool) Just to set the record straight… I’m in no way defending Microsoft (no pun intended)…
Why do you we need to even run Antivirus anyways? Well I take that back, all of the non-it types, i highly encourage it because everyone loves to see the naked dancing monkeys attachment in the emails they receive from their ‘friends’
Peace out
March 5th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Dude, I noticed that the other day when I was quoting a desktop out for a friend. I was really distressed by the lack of XP option. I told him if he still decided to go this route, we could just nuke Vista when he got it. So does that mean Dell is no longer offering XP on any systems? What a crock.
Yeah you are right. I stand corrected about OneCare coming preinstalled with Vista. It is a subscription based service just like McAfee and Norton’s right? Either way, my opinion still stands on Vista. I felt this way about ME and I knew immediately I would love XP. I hope my instincts are wrong this time and Vista will actually be a great OS.
And yeah Shaheed, I think we might want to keep using AV.
March 5th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Yes, Dell still offers XP as an install option to Enterprise customers… which I think is a crock of crap… I mean do you really think that if enterprises don’t want to run it, consumers will? I think it’s a way to force consumers to work out the bugs for the enterprise customers