How good is Microsoft's free antivirus software?

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Yes, I'll trust Morro, but as part of defense in depth

First, Microsoft understands security. I've read their books, and used the code they provide for security development. They understand, as only people who have been badly burned by security failures can understand.

Second, it's light-weight. Windows Defender works very well. OneCare works very well. MS has a good track record, something that companies like Symantec have lost.

But anti-virus software is only a smal part of security. In many cases, if anti-virus software (any of them) are in a position to block, then the malware is already on your system and it may be too late.

No single defense is perfect, though; defense-in-depth is the only way to go. Here's my general plan:

1. Stay behind a router. NAS is a great filter for many attacks.
2. Use a firewall. Windows firewall works well enough.
3. Keep your OS up to date, not just in updates, but in versions. I'm already running Win 7 RC as my primary system at home, and I'll be on Win 7 for good as soon as it goes RTM. Remember (or learn) that security must be pro-active, and that Vista and Win7 took huge steps in this direction. Address space randomization. Array and string range-checking to limit buffer overruns. And more.
4. UAC. Live with it. It's your friend.
5. 64-bit. Required driver signing is your friend.
6. IE protected mode.
7. Data Execution Protection, turned on for everything. No exceptions.
8. Windows Defender.
9. Oh, one more thing. Anti-virus software.

Posted by: diane wilson   Posted on: 06/19/09 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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