Consider Malwarebytes & Spywareblaster as well.
They work very well with MSE & will offer you broader protection.
Malwarebytes : Download free malware, virus and spyware tools to get your computer back in shape!
SpywareBlaster® | Prevent spyware and malware. Free download.
Wow thanks for all the replies! :)
So basically what you're saying is Microsoft security updates should be working as a secondary layer of protection in case the first layer (antivirus program) fails to stop an infection by say, a rootkit-like virus (which are difficult to remove as they can gain Administrative access and affect system files/processes)?
Understanding security and safer computing.
Update Windows
If you connect to the Internet, allow other people to use your computer, or share files with others, you should take steps to protect your computer from harm.
Why?
Because there are computer criminals (sometimes called hackers) who attack other people's computers.
These people can attack directly, by breaking into your computer through the Internet and stealing your personal information, or indirectly, by creating malicious software to harm your computer.
Fortunately, you can help protect yourself by taking a few simple precautions.
Microsoft regularly offers important updates to Windows that can help protect your computer against new viruses and other security threats.
To ensure that you receive these updates as quickly as possible, turn on automatic updating.
That way, you don't have to worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer.
Source...
Understanding security and safer computing
Hi thereSorry if I sound like an idiot, but I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?
Windows keeps sending me security patches through Windows Update, but at the same time, my antivirus program (AVG - paid version) is constantly updating its virus definitions as well - what's the difference between the two specifically?
If anyone has any specific insight on this, please weigh in!
XP support for security updates will still carry on for a while yet
Here's the End of Life stuff for XP -- You are OK until mid 2014.
Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search
Check the extended support column.
(I agree with previous posts -- just giving you extra info that you don't need to panic just yet if you are still running XP).
Cheers
jimbo
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