MetamorphosisSigma wrote:As a former IT guy, let me urge you to do yourself a favor and buy your anti-virus/malware software!
Prufrock wrote:The IT guys who looked at the computer after the virus hit said it was "on life support". I'm thinking Norton would be a good fit. I just do not like paying for it.martin
Kingofpain89 wrote:I can understand your point of view, but as a current IT guy, I am of the opinion that you dont have to pay for good software. I have used AVG Free for years and have never once gotten a computer virus, malware or rootkit. I've used Symantec products and found them to be mostly inadequate. I got hit with a redirector about 6 or 7 years ago when I was using Norton AV. Talk about a pain in the ass. Norton 360, IMO is an absolute nightmare. Not only is it a resource hog but as far as viruses and malware are concerned, I have always thought that it did a pretty average job. Although I will say that I thought Norton's Internet Security suite was pretty spiffy. And the corporate versions of Symantec's products are great as long as you dont expect them to deal with any tough bugs. Fantastic for making sure that all of the computers on your network are up to date though (as long as you know what you are doing). I will be honest when I say I dont know all that much about McAfee products other than uninstalling them. Every company I've ever worked for ended up getting rid of McAfee for Symantec, Kaspersky, or Panda. I usually started working for them just as they were switching software but the people I worked with hated it.I've worked with and known people with other companies that were crazy about Kaspersky and Trend Micro products. I usually see very high reviews for both products.I guess my point is, just because its free doesnt mean it can't do the job.By the way Martin, if you do decide to purchase something, check out ads before you do. You can usually purchase an antivirus and internet security application for next to nothing. Fry's will usually have something on sale and at the same time the manufacturer will offer a mail in rebate. I picked up Norton Internet Security and Antivirus a few years back for $20. It was normally $90 or $100 for the package and they had it on sale for $60. There was also a mail in rebate for $40.
MetamorphosisSigma wrote:Sounds like you have more extensive and varied experience with this sort of thing than I do, so I defer to your judgment. The (one) operation I worked for was mid-sized, and I was an overburdened "Systems Manager" in a shop of 5, not including our do-nothing Director (which in practice meant I was a Systems Analyst, SysAdmin, Database Administrator, Network Admin, and PC tech all wrapped into one seriously stressed out puppy), so using something free would've been attractive, but having outside tech support to call upon was more important--which I assume the free packages don't provide.
MetamorphosisSigma wrote: As a former IT guy, let me urge you to do yourself a favor and buy your anti-virus/malware software! In this day and age it's imperative that you not so much as plug in your ethernet cable or wireless USB thingamajig before installing it. Surfing the Internet without protection is like going on a weekend whoring trip to Bangkok without condoms. Norton and McAfee are both good, so long as you keep the virus definitions updated (just schedule it to happen automatically). I've used both, and never had a problem. If you look at the event reports they can generate, it'll give you the shivers.Are you sure your old PC fell prey to a virus? If so, it's probably salvageable.
lawrenson wrote:Hi,slightly OT. but my wife bought a backup device by a company called Clickfree a little while ago.Now it IS more expensive than just buying an ordinary backup device, but the software on this thing does all your backup automatically.You just plug it in once a week (or more if thats your bag) and off it goes.Not a big thing if youre IT literate, but if you arent its quite useful.Cheers,Malc
Gnat the Beggar wrote:Well, I am not and never have been an IT Guy.BUT I have used both McAffee and Norton (including 360) on both home computers and professional office computers and I hate them BOTH with a passion!Never again....
Badmike wrote:I'll be hanging out in the chat the rest of the evening (Thursday night), check in if you are going to be there to register for games after midnight!Mike B.
smarmy1 wrote:Stop being so humble, Mike. You are a damn good DM; your games are fun, fast-paced and never fail to disappoint. Period.
Gnat the Beggar wrote:Agree with this.Mikes games are a lot of fun.I am dissapointed that I did not stay up late enough last night to sign up for his game at the con...Had no idea it would be filled so quickly... But I am very glad I came to the Acaeum and found Mike and his tabletop games.Unfortunately, we have not been able to play for too long of late, but I am looking forward to our next session.Hopefully that will be soon....