[Solved] how do i know if i'm on ms essentials?

[12tom]

how do i know if i'm on ms essentials? my pc has authentic W7, and i notice on the desktop (?) that i'm on the free versions of avast and malware.

[KenB]

how do i know if i'm on ms essentials?

Start .....type in ....essentials ......do not hit Enter yet

 

If you have MS Essentials it will appear as Microsoft Security Essentials top left of your screen.

 

Just a note:

If you do have MS Essentials then you need to remove this or Avast.

It is not good to run 2 AVs at the same time.

[12tom]

ken, thank you,

i did what you suggested and i dont have ms essentials so i'll leave avast and malware alone. As a matter of interest, both avast and malware are coming to an end of their free time, what should i do next - just leave them alone until they are one by one switched off or do something else? In fact, malware has begun to send messages that the free ride is over, but nothing has changed - it's still there!

[RandyL]

Hi tom.

both avast and malware

I know what Avast is but what is this malware you are talking about?

 

With regards to Avast there are three basic options. Avast free, Avast Internet security and Avast Pro Antivirus.

http://www.avast.com/en-us/free-antivirus-download

 

If you have Avast Free you will need to get a new free key periodically in order to continue getting updated virus definitions. I think it's every 14 months.

 

If you have one of the other two or a trial version of them and your free trial or license is expiring you will need to purchase a key in order to remain protected. Another option is to uninstall the paid for versions and install the free version if you wish to continue using Avast.

 

but nothing has changed - it's still there

Avast will stay installed unless you uninstall it. However it will not be functional or updated if it's expired.

[12tom]

Randy, thank you,

I have avast free, and like you said, it seems to be jogging along so i'll leave well alone for the time being.

Malwarebytes free-by date is up, but it is also still operational, so i'll leave it also.

 

Now i have at the bottom right of the screen, a pop-up saying that "a new version of Java is avilable if i click on the icon". I'm not sure what Java is or what i should do?

 

There is also a "Windows update", at the bottom right of the screen, that says something about enhanced security - do i allow it or do i pick and choose aspects of the update (s) ?

[KenB]

Hi

 

Malwarebytes is constantly updating. You should update this before you run it.

 

Yes - update Java.

 

If the Windows Update is a security one - update this too.

[RandyL]

How long have you had avast free?

[Starbuck]

Malwarebytes is constantly updating. You should update this before you run it.

 

Yes - update Java.

Here's the update info if you require it.

 

Start MBAM

Click on the Update tab

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/new/mbamnew.png

 

Click Check for Updates

 

As for the Java.... you can use the built in updater or update it manually:

 

Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. A malicious site could render Java content under older, vulnerable versions of Sun's software if the user has not removed them. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update:

• Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 7 Update 9 and save it to your desktop.
  
• Scroll down to where it says "Java SE 7 Update 9".
  
• Click the "Download JRE" button to the right.
  
• Accept the license agreement.
  
• select 'Windows x86'offline or 'Windows x64' (depending on whether you are running a 32 or 64 bit system) from the list.
  
• Save the file to your desktop.
  
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  
• Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  
• Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
  
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
  
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
  
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  
• Then from your desktop double-click on jre-7u9-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.

[12tom]

ken, randy and starbuck,

 

Thank you so much for your replies. I didn't get back to this thread because i couldn't locate it - i've just noticed it while doing something else above.

 

Thank you again, tom

[KenB]

Glad to be of some help Tom :)