I have a long hate relationship with all of the big anti-everything packages. I strongly suggest that you get rid of McAfee, Norton, and any other package that claims to “do it all” in the protection racket.

AVG Free works fine, and it’s free for personal use. Avira works well, too. I’m currently running MS Security Essentials on many machines – it’s free, but it’s still in beta – and it works great.

The one thing you can’t do is run two antivirus products (or firewalls) at the same time. It’s begging for trouble.

Sorry. I should’ve been more clear. The detailed instructions posted on the Web are cookbook instructions for cracking Windows – intended for the bad guys.

Right now, all you need to be concerned about is running through Windows Update and installing all the offered patches. It may take a while, but unfortunately it’s something you need to do…

You should read the “MS DEFCON System” link at the top of this page and look look WAAAY down the page) at what Woody says about Microsoft Driver Updates (also known as “optional software” or “optional hardware” updates). Don’t do it — these usually will break your hardware Drivers. Instead, if you think you may need a driver update, go directly to the manufacturer’s web site and download their latest version. You will be glad you did it this way.

maghullyback —

Yes, security software, including firewalls, can wreak havoc with Microsoft Updates. Suspend or exit security programs once you are securely logged in to MS Updates (when you choose Custom or Express). It’s a bit risky to exit security software while on line, but this method minimizes the risk. When rebooting, remember to re-enable everything.

Woody –

My own updates went well, and I agree that the MS KB Number on MS09-035 was updated, but it is the same patch.

One of my favorite security programs — Super Antispyware — couldn’t handle the MS Updates, and the SAS Updater started crashing with a BSOD (Kernel Driver Memory Leak). Maybe it’s also a Comodo Firewall issue, but I have for the time being switched to Malwarebytes, which updates and scans faster anyway and has predictive heuristics in each scan. I may never switch back.

All else seems to be going well, except Secunia PSI still thinks Java Runtime (JRE) is insecure, with no existing patch or workaround. So it goes…

Yesterday my £uc?+ng updates kept failing to install (error code 80246007) but when I tried today everything went okay. Best solution I’ve found is always turn commercial security suites OFF beforehand, and then download and install each individual update SEPARATELY. A major pain in the arse, but it seems to work this way every time. Yesterday I, erm, didn’t do it this way.

I’ve had an idea about how to improve the Micro$oft updates system considerably. Permanently attach one of those tazer dog training collars around Bill Gates’ neck, but modify it so that every time a Windows machine – anywhere in the world – displays an error message, ole Billy Boy gets zapped. He’d instantly buck his ideas up and get things sorted, I reckon. Gatesian Response?

Nice one Wood Dog.

I did as directed, and all is well. I did find one patch for my video card that was hidden, but the last time I downloaded a Radeon patch it totally jacked-up my system, so I didn’t install that one.

I wonder if I should though? I’m no good at these kinds of things.

Anyway, thanks for all the help.

You should only update drivers if there’s a problem with your current driver.