Hello Gentlemen,
Sorry for confusing the matter more than is necessary. I have indeed confused Windows Firewall with MSE. So so much for that discussion. You don't use Windows Firewall if you are using MSE, correct?
That is not correct. Windows Firewall meshes perfectly with Microsoft Security Essentials. Better than any other.
Since so many experts are convinced about MSE, what about it makes it superior. I know it doesn't have the hold your hand features, which would lessen the overhead. I know that it only updates once a day, rather than every few minutes. Can you please indulge me with your explained opinions on it being a better, safer and easier product to use. You've gotten me interested again.
It is built by the same people who built the operating system, and works perfectly with that operating system. It runs live protection, has an on demand scanner that you can schedule, and requires no knowledge at all to use.
My problem is lack of experience. As stated previously, some don't use AV's, software firewalls or antimalware at all, relying I assume on safe surfing tactics, which I practice, and the safety of the Router Firewall.
The router firewall only protects anything behind it from direct access. It is not an anti-virus protection.
Again I know nothing of the Router Firewall so I can't rely on any knowledge of how and what it blocks, knows what to block and does so correctly, even though mine has two as Mike pointed out. Two what, doing what more specifically than blocking unwanted intrusion.
That is all it does, block access to anything behind it.
What inspects my emails for all sorts of bugaboo's that are running rampant. I once opened an email from my Aunt and Norton blocked it immediately. Her system was compromised and I was on a hit list. No problem with the protection of software AV.
The "Real-time protection" in MSE protects you from ANY viruses, spyware, or other potentially unwanted software that attempts to install itself or run on your machine.
Again, I just don't get what is so specifically special about MSE. I consider it great enough to use as a backup scanner. I don't recall that it scans my downloads and checks it against a network of users, rating it on date, how many users are having no problem.
It scans all downloads;
When I run a videos, does MSE scan the file prior to popping it into the viewer? Also does it let me decide what programs are to be trusted and which to allow one time use? You see I have many questions. MSE just seems to do whatever it wants to, IIRC. Low key but reliant on the programmer's idea's of what my need are.
It scans everything unless you specifically exclude something.
I believe you guys, I just don't understand the fervor and would like to be more informed if any of you are willing. Thanks for all your time.
Glenn
Not a case of fervour, it is simple, reliable, and free, from the the builders of the operating system you are using. They know more about their system than anybody else does. It is also continually being improved and developed. The first versions were not all that great, but the newer versions are first class.
Regards....Mike Connor