Uh oh...I've opened an email which I shouldn't have...

Reluctant_spender

Lucy

What protective software do you have on your system. If you post a list then we may be able to advise.

A layered approach to security is good but sometimes there can be infighting which reduces effectiveness and speed.

Lizbetty

I have the McAfee security suite installed - since the incident, it's not updated the antivirus, not sure if that's a problem with the install or with the attachment I opened, it's not updating automatically or manually. Anyway, that's the only software I'm aware of. I have run all of the software suggested including Dr Web one listed by foolk, all of which has also come up ok.

I think there may be other things installed as we had a problem with the pc at xmas and the chap who fixed it said we didn't need McAfee or any other antivirus stuff on here, I think he said the automatic stuff you get with XP should cover it. But we had McAfee anyway and I thought his advice sounded too good to be true!

Sorry if that's not very technical...does that help?

Lucy

superscaper

Lucyeff wrote: »

I think he said the automatic stuff you get with XP should cover it.

Not true at all, you still need antivirus software (the vast majority of people think so anyway) and other anti malware.

PaulK_3

superscaper wrote: »

Not true at all, you still need antivirus software (the vast majority of people think so anyway) and other anti malware.

Totally agree, windows XP SP2 built in firewall can do certain things but there is nothing like a proper dedicated tool or 2 or 3 to layer on the protection.

Millionaire

If your that worried/paranoid, Back up your data/software to dvd discs or an external hardrive and do a clean reisntall and then make sure you install some decent spyware/virus software from the off, including all the windows updates.

At least it will give you piece of mind that its been wiped clean.

And the bloke that told you you dont need any addtional security to what Windows offers is talking garbage.

PaulK_3

Millionaire wrote: »

And the bloke that told you you dont need any addtional security to what Windows offers is talking garbage.

And that's being polite lol If someone had said that to me and was being serious I would be wondering what planet they were on and what medication they should be taking.

techexpert

Personally, I would back up all important files, then get the windows cd, and do a format, no more virus then [or anything else for that matter]

superscaper

techexpert wrote: »

Personally, I would back up all important files, then get the windows cd, and do a format, no more virus then [or anything else for that matter]

You wouldn't happen to be a call centre tech support person would you?

Inactive

superscaper wrote: »

You wouldn't happen to be a call centre tech support person would you?

Nah, he couldn't be, he is a " Techexpert " .. :rolleyes:

:rotfl:

Sounds like the advice you would get from PC World.

superscaper

Inactive wrote: »

Nah, he couldn't be, he is a " Techexpert " .. :rolleyes:

:rotfl:

Sounds like the advice you would get from PC World.

Was why I was asking, sledgehammer one solution fixall which seems typical of many tech support outfits.