# Securing your Microsoft Machine **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [February 2, 2009, 2:44pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335 "2009-02-02T14:44:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2009, 10:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/61 "2009-12-24T10:33:57Z")
> [@ProgRocker](#): > > [Microsoft Security Essentials Ranks as Best-Performing Free Antivirus | Lifehacker](http://lifehacker.com/5433229/microsoft-security-essentials-ranks-as-best+performing-free-antivirus) nice. also read the top 3 or 4 comments too… ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2009, 10:56am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/62 "2009-12-24T10:56:46Z")
the key to avoiding viruses/malware/etc. is common sense. Programs are a backup. Avira doesn’t update well at all from what I’ve experienced. Even if the update fails it will say the definitions are up-to-date. ---
**Author:** ![TradersBASE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tradersbase/32/5321_2.png) [@TradersBASE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TradersBASE)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/63 "2009-12-24T13:41:08Z")
> [@Just Karter](#): > > avg is a hog I recently ditched it. > > I do not like spybot, it seems to never find anything when I know its there. For me spybot does its thing BEFORE the install/issue takes place. Of course if you have installed spybot and just click to allow shit you didn’t trigger an install for then NO software will help. Most issues are avoidable but everyone loves clicking shit and pretending they are on a slot machine. LUL ---
**Author:** ![TradersBASE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tradersbase/32/5321_2.png) [@TradersBASE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TradersBASE)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2009, 1:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/64 "2009-12-24T13:48:00Z")
> [@9c1](#): > > I’ve been using Microsoft Security Essentials for the past month. It seems to be pretty good. Low overhead, keeps itself updated, and scans in the background with minimal interruption. > > Link for those who care: [Experience the Power of Windows 11 OS, Computers, & Apps | Microsoft](http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/) I have issues with it not being part of a Windows install. It’s free and it’s MS, why don’t they just chuck it in as part of windows? Kind of like they did with IE, make it embedded and integrated with the os. Why on earth would a company make something extra when it fixes flaws and vulnerabilities in their code? I imagine it’s the American way…if they include it the AV guys will class action sue MS and cry like bitches, not unlike they had with IE. SIGH. ---
**Author:** ![itsJim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@itsJim](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/itsJim)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2009, 7:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/65 "2009-12-25T07:14:58Z")
> [@TradersBASE](#): > > I have issues with it not being part of a Windows install. It’s free and it’s MS, why don’t they just chuck it in as part of windows? Kind of like they did with IE, make it embedded and integrated with the os. Why on earth would a company make something extra when it fixes flaws and vulnerabilities in their code? I imagine it’s the American way…if they include it the AV guys will class action sue MS and cry like bitches, not unlike they had with IE. SIGH. Uhh… ever hear about the anti-trust case’s regarding them “integrating” IE? There’s a reason why security essentials isn’t ---
**Author:** ![TradersBASE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tradersbase/32/5321_2.png) [@TradersBASE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TradersBASE)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2009, 7:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/66 "2009-12-25T07:23:12Z")
> [@itsJim](#): > > Uhh… ever hear about the anti-trust case’s regarding them “integrating” IE? There’s a reason why security essentials isn’t Did you read my full post? :fail: > [@TradersBASE](#): > > I have issues with it not being part of a Windows install. It’s free and it’s MS, why don’t they just chuck it in as part of windows? Kind of like they did with IE, make it embedded and integrated with the os. Why on earth would a company make something extra when it fixes flaws and vulnerabilities in their code? I imagine it’s the American way… **.if they include it the AV guys will class action sue MS and cry like bitches, not unlike they had with IE. SIGH.** ---
**Author:** ![9c1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/9c1/32/7392_2.png) [@9c1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/9c1)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2009, 9:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/67 "2009-12-25T09:32:27Z")
> [@TradersBASE](#): > > I have issues with it not being part of a Windows install. It’s free and it’s MS, why don’t they just chuck it in as part of windows? Kind of like they did with IE, make it embedded and integrated with the os. Why on earth would a company make something extra when it fixes flaws and vulnerabilities in their code? I imagine it’s the American way…if they include it the AV guys will class action sue MS and cry like bitches, not unlike they had with IE. SIGH. Actually, the European Union has been more of a thorn in their side about including apps like IE and stuff more than the American governement has. ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/68 "2010-01-22T14:36:39Z")
I’ve been using Microsoft Security Essentials for a while now and I am sold. It scans very quick, in real-time, auto updates, and catches a lot. ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/69 "2010-01-22T14:42:24Z")
:lol: @ security products by microsoft ---
**Author:** ![pirite](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pirite/32/5308_2.png) [@pirite](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/pirite)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/70 "2010-01-22T14:58:30Z")
> [@LZ](#): > > :lol: @ security products by microsoft :word: ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 4:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/71 "2010-01-22T16:36:22Z")
> [@LZ](#): > > :lol: @ security products by microsoft That’s what I thought, but for a free antivirus it works well. It detected a rootkit on a machine I was working on when Malwarebytes missed it. ---
**Author:** ![splitmup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3e96dc/32.png) [@splitmup](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/splitmup)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2010, 8:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/72 "2010-03-22T20:28:49Z")
quick windows question…After redoing my machine…is there a way that i can update all drivers on my machine all at once? Or do I have to go into device manager and update everything separately? Let me know. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![chasemanmusic](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/chasemanmusic/32/6124_2.png) [@chasemanmusic](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/chasemanmusic)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2011, 7:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/73 "2011-08-24T19:58:55Z")
No, check device manager and see whats missing. go to the manufacturers website. Click support or something similar, find download drives. There is usually i spot you can enter your serial number or model number which directs you to the download page. Keep in mind alot of times you need network drivers after a fresh OS install. So use another computer to download the drivers, dump em on a flash drive and move it to the other machine. Dell, HP, even gateway has decent support and driver availability. Download/install chipset, network/wireless/ethernet, video/graphics, audio,modem, etc. Use your judgement on what else to download. Find the files after they download, and usually they will be like installer wizards. Click next, next, next, whatever untill it finishes installing. Do that for all of them, you dont have to reboot after each driver, or at least i dont. After you install all of them, then go back into device manager and see if you missed anything. There will be question marks near missing drivers. ---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 PM ---------- Ha just realized i brought back a dead thread. So im gona add more i guess. heres my windows setup i do for friends 1. xp sp-who cares 2. avg 8.5 i believe, update virus definitions only. This version isnt a hog. (free) 3. malwarebytes -spareware removal incase you download too much cp and get a virus. Cleans out most pesky spy/ada/malware. (free) 4. Windows update it till it bleads 5. CCleaner for maintenance (free) 6. VLC media player - plays everything (free) 7. Daemon tools to mount iso disk images of software - ie office 8. Google Chrome - better than firefox (free) 9. add anime background ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 5:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/74 "2011-08-25T05:33:43Z")
> [@chasemanmusic](#): > > No, check device manager and see whats missing. > go to the manufacturers website. Click support or something similar, find download drives. There is usually i spot you can enter your serial number or model number which directs you to the download page. Keep in mind alot of times you need network drivers after a fresh OS install. So use another computer to download the drivers, dump em on a flash drive and move it to the other machine. Dell, HP, even gateway has decent support and driver availability. Download/install chipset, network/wireless/ethernet, video/graphics, audio,modem, etc. Use your judgement on what else to download. Find the files after they download, and usually they will be like installer wizards. Click next, next, next, whatever untill it finishes installing. Do that for all of them, you dont have to reboot after each driver, or at least i dont. > After you install all of them, then go back into device manager and see if you missed anything. There will be question marks near missing drivers. > > ---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 PM ---------- > > Ha just realized i brought back a dead thread. So im gona add more i guess. > > heres my windows setup i do for friends > > 1. xp sp-who cares > 2. avg 8.5 i believe, update virus definitions only. This version isnt a hog. (free) > 3. malwarebytes -spareware removal incase you download too much cp and get a virus. Cleans out most pesky spy/ada/malware. (free) > 4. Windows update it till it bleads > 5. CCleaner for maintenance (free) > 6. VLC media player - plays everything (free) > 7. Daemon tools to mount iso disk images of software - ie office > 8. Google Chrome - better than firefox (free) > 9. add anime background Not bad, but I’d definitely update to XP SP3, but personally I’d go with Windows 7. Also MSE \> AVG all the other ones I pretty much agree with. Also using [ninite.com](http://ninite.com) to keep programs up to date. ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 6:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/75 "2011-08-25T06:48:36Z")
I would start moving away from Win XP support will stop and the day that happens a lot of holes will get published and Microsoft won’t patch them. I still haven’t found any anti virus that works the way it supposed to(preventing viruses/malware) unless its some 2 year old well known stuff. ---
**Author:** ![burnt\_toast](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/burnt_toast/32/7518_2.png) [@burnt\_toast](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/burnt_toast)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 7:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/76 "2011-08-25T07:53:34Z")
> [@LZ](#): > > I still haven’t found any anti virus that works the way it supposed to(preventing viruses/malware) unless its some 2 year old well known stuff. I agree. Teaching users smart browsing and wishing them good luck is the best way to avoid malware lately it seems. Having a good USB stick with emergency removal programs is useful too, but even those fail. The last 2 machines I’ve gone through ended with a reformat, it was sort of depressing lol ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 8:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/77 "2011-08-25T08:00:21Z")
Signature based detection isn’t going to work… Any 12 year old can write something to crypt virus/malware payloads pretty much on the fly which throws off the detection. When testing stuff I have been working on I often run it past Virus total with 0 results it’s pretty entertaining. Even large organizations like Boeing for example part of their email scanning process includes analyzing incoming PDFs files and based on the entropy of the character set in the PDF they can determine if the file is malicious or not since certain characters appear much more often in shell code then in normal PDFs. One of the best things going right now is the ability to sandbox applications like Adobe products and web browsers. I realize this doesn’t stop everything but it should stop the majority of drive by attacks. Another thing is highly targeted attacks which is an entirely different discussion and not much of the stuff mentioned above can really impact those. ---
**Author:** ![walter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/walter/32/7202_2.png) [@walter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/walter)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 8:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/78 "2011-08-25T08:59:15Z")
Why doesn’t “don’t be a fucktard” work for more people? Do you open the door to your house for strangers? Then why would you open a zip file that DHL sent you about a package being delivered? ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 9:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/79 "2011-08-25T09:12:38Z")
It doesn’t really work like that any more A lot is targeted PDF stuff or clicking malicious links that exploit a vuln in your web browser or an attack where a site is hacked malicious code is installed and your shit is popped just browsing the site this happened to fox sports when one of the sites that hosted ads on their page got popped ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2011, 9:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335/80 "2011-08-25T09:23:05Z")
> [@LZ](#): > > It doesn’t really work like that any more > > A lot is targeted PDF stuff or clicking malicious links that exploit a vuln in your web browser or an attack where a site is hacked malicious code is installed and your shit is popped just browsing the site this happened to fox sports when one of the sites that hosted ads on their page got popped I watched an hour long presentation on injecting code and pretty much anything you want to into PDFs, most of it with little knowledge to how PDFs are structured. We have one user at work that manages to infect her laptop almost monthly. Our laptops prevent users from installing anything, yet she manages to constantly infect it. We’ve reloaded her machine at least 3 or 4 times in the past year an a half. The last one I think was one of the UPS “click here for your shipment” emails. Microsoft Security Essentials is probably the best A/V that I’ve seen. While I’ve also seen a lot of stuff pass by it, it seems to be more difficult for viruses to end or kill the process of it. Meaning, I can usually open it up, run a scan and remove the infection. The Fake A/Vs seem to be the most prevalent. [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335.md?page=3) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/securing-your-microsoft-machine/62335.md?page=5)