Microsoft Reveals Apps That Could Be Blocked After Windows 8.1 Update

[Starbuck]

Microsoft has just revealed the list of apps that could be blocked, disabled, or “change behavior” after the Windows 8.1 update, as the company is trying to make sure that no compatibility issues exist.

 

The list comprises popular apps such as ZoneAlarm, McAfee AV products, Trend Micro Titanium, Panda Security, Visual Studio 2012, and Outpost Antivirus Pro 8.

 

A compatibility update delivered to machines supposed to be updated to Windows 8.1 improves user experience by fixing issues in ZoneAlarm, for example, while also changing the behavior of some apps on the new OS version.

 

SuperNova won’t be installed on Windows 8.1, the company explained, and users will be provided with an URL for more information about the product.

 

This is the list with all apps impacted by the update to Windows 8.1:

 

SuperNova up to 12.51

Searchqu Toolbar

ZoneAlarm 2013

Expression Studio 4 Ultimate 4

McAfee AV Products 2013

Trend Micro Titanium 2013 for NTT

Panda Security up to 2014

Outpost Antivirus Pro 8

Outpost Security Suite Pro 8

Visual Studio 2012

 

 

Source:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Reveals-Apps-That-Could-Be-Blocked-After-Windows-8-1-Update-393394.shtml

Edited October 23, 2013 by Starbuck

[wellies]

Thanks for that Starbuck. I've been using Bitdefender Internet Security for a year or so, attracted by its reported good detection rates. Also features such as frequent updates and idle-time scanning. The company said their programs would be fully compatible with Windows 8.1. It looks like this is the case since it's not on the list and runs OK on my Windows 8.1 system.

 

BIS is not installed at the moment though. I'm using Windows Defender and considering staying with it because it now has the extra feature of network behaviour monitoring.

 

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Adds-Windows-Defender-Security-Features-in-Windows-8-1-365175.shtml

 

If I could get used to IE 11 in Metro Mode, security provided by Microsoft could be good enough on its own. Metro Apps run inside App Containers, a kind of sandboxing that could mean Sandboxie (my primary protection for years) might not be needed. Windows Defender and App Containers combined look to provide strong protection.

 

Just considering/trying these possibilities. Always a job to know what security programs to put faith in

Edited October 23, 2013 by Starbuck

[Starbuck]

Hi wellies,

 

  Quote

The company said their programs would be fully compatible with Windows 8.1

I'm currently trying BitDefender on my Win8.1 system and have to say that i quite like it.

Although Windows Defender was doing a good job as well.... just thought i'd give it a try.

Am running Emsisoft AntiMalware on Win7 and MSSE on Win XP.

None are giving any problems.

[wellies]

  Starbuck said:

Am running Emsisoft AntiMalware on Win7

I tried Emsisoft Antimalware on Windows 8 for a couple of weeks and almost went with it for a year. It has an impressive list of protections. In the end though, I renewed Bitdefender instead. I like to have strong security but at the same time, silent. I've found Bitdefender good at that. It has a silent mode where all decisions are taken for you. This had never let me down over period of the previous year, hence the renewal.

 

All paid up for another 300 or so days, so it seems a waste not to use it. One the other hand, if Windows Defender is good then maybe the system doesn't need a suite. Perhaps use Windows Defender and Sandboxie - or Windows Defender, Sandboxie and MBAM - or Windows Defender with Hitman Pro - or.... :)

[Starbuck]

  Quote

I tried Emsisoft Antimalware on Windows 8 for a couple of weeks and almost went with it for a year. It has an impressive list of protections. In the end though, I renewed Bitdefender instead.

It was because of using BitDefender on the Win8.1 system that i decided to give EAM a try.

It uses 2 types of scanner ..... one is provided by BitDefender.

Plus i was offered a free license, so why not. :)

As it's on the Win7 system i haven't been able to really test it yet..... i spend most of the time on the Win8.1 system

I can definitely see why you renewed your BitDefender though.

It is very good at what it does.

[wellies]

I settled on Bitdefender Internet Security in the end. It probably slows boot time a bit but doesn't noticeably slow the computer down when it's up and running.

 

The 2014 version includes 'Wallet'. I don't need this because LastPass is used for storing passwords. There are 3 'Wallet' listings in Task Manager > Start-up and I've run BIS for a while with these disabled. It doesn't seem to affect the running of the rest of the suite. The Bitdefender Wallet plugin still gets installed in Firefox and Internet Explorer though. I've given up trying to prevent that kind of thing and am happy just to see plugins disabled, rather than removed. Small prices to pay for using the program but they were the reasons I thought about when deciding whether to install BIS again. However, I reckon the good points outweigh any drawbacks and I'm going to settle for it ..and I've also paid for the program. :)

 

I'm keeping Sandboxie too. It can't be used for IE11 in Metro mode. There's no way of doing that as far as I know but it doesn't need it anyway. The App Container IE 11 runs in (when in Metro mode) is a sandbox in itself. I like Firefox though and have kept Sandboxie for that and for any other browser that might get installed.

 

I'm going to make a disk image of the system now and then stop messing around for a while. :)