Adobe Flash Security Update Tries to Install McAfee Adware

[NickFitz]

There's a security update available for critical vulnerabilities in Adobe's Flash Player. However, Adobe will try to install McAfee Security Scan Plus as well when you go to install it (the checkbox is enabled by default).

If you're wondering, this isn't a product designed to make your computer safer as such: it's a marketing tool that will try to persuade you to buy McAfee products which you probably don't need on the basis of nebulous suggestions that you may be at risk

Remember to uncheck that checkbox when you go to download your security update

[TimberWolf]

My McAfee subscription (that came with my new system) runs out in a few days and I think I'm going to go commando, i.e. stick with whatever security comes with Vista only. Some of the MS stuff had to be turned off as it wasn't compatible with McAfee and I can't remember what it was now. If I can remove McAfee - it's constantly bugging me for renewal (i.e. money) at the moment. Can't say I've had a problem with it, except its conflict with Vista security, but my visits to dodgy sites has been limited as much as possible.

[NickFitz]

My McAfee subscription (that came with my new system) runs out in a few days and I think I'm going to go commando, i.e. stick with whatever security comes with Vista only. Some of the MS stuff had to be turned off as it wasn't compatible with McAfee and I can't remember what it was now. If I can remove McAfee - it's constantly bugging me for renewal (i.e. money) at the moment. Can't say I've had a problem with it, except its conflict with Vista security, but my visits to dodgy sites has been limited as much as possible.

I don't know if it's automatically installed on Vista, but if not, Microsoft Security Essentials is supposed to be good

[TimberWolf]

I don't know if it's automatically installed on Vista, but if not, Microsoft Security Essentials is supposed to be good

Yeah, that's one of the things that I couldn't install recently, thanks for the reminder. I think there was something else that normally comes bundled and working with Vista that was switched off, which I expect I'll find when the time comes.

[Spacecadet]

I don't know if it's automatically installed on Vista, but if not, Microsoft Security Essentials is supposed to be good

I've been using that with windows 7 and it flags stuff up as a risk which is good, hasn't done much in the way of false positives and it never feels like its thrashing the system or doing anything which would detract from my windows experience.
Have a google round, from what I saw 6 months ago when I last checked MSE compared vary well against the big AV players

[Clippy]

Another vote here for Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).

Have been using it since its release without any dramas.

Timber - I suspect you are thinking of Windows Defender which, I believe, was incorporated into MSE.

[Moscow Mule]

All the windows pcs and VMs in the house & business are now running MSE.

It's the puppies nuts. No virus drama since it came out, no unnecessary caning of system resources, free. Couldn't be happier.

Still have to be careful of phishing via telephone though. Dirty cnuts.

[d000hg]

Does anyone know what exactly the Windows Malicious Software tool does? Is it looking at specific pieces of malware, or what? They make sure to tell you it doesn't replace a full AV system and I never saw it do anything (like flag a file), so what's it do?

And I've heard very good ratio of praise:complaints for MSE too. No doubt MS don't dare distribute anti-virus with the OS in case they get sued again for making their OS too good

[TimberWolf]

Another vote here for Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).

Have been using it since its release without any dramas.

Timber - I suspect you are thinking of Windows Defender which, I believe, was incorporated into MSE.

Yes, Windows Defender rings a bell, or perhaps Windows Firewall. Once I remove McAfee (which hopefully will go quietly when its subscription lapses), I'll make sure all is turned back after I install MSE. In fact I'll do a full system scan with McAfee now and delete the beggar - its requests for renewal are annoying.

[Doggy Styles]

Yes, Windows Defender rings a bell, or perhaps Windows Firewall. Once I remove McAfee (which hopefully will go quietly when its subscription lapses), I'll make sure all is turned back after I install MSE. In fact I'll do a full system scan with McAfee now and delete the beggar - its requests for renewal are annoying.

McAfee does not go quietly. You've got to eradicate it. It is like a f***ing virus.