Thanks for all the replies - I can't seem to locate the RAM as I don't have
the desktop icon.

"Daave" wrote:
[..]

Thanks again for all the replies - are you really saying that a freeware scan
program would be better than McAfee or one of the other such as Norton etc.


"Gerry" wrote:
[..]

Ginnie wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies - I can't seem to locate the RAM as I
> don't have the desktop icon.

Try this:

Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Now you will see how much
RAM you have.

Even if you don't have a desktop icon for My Computer, you can still get
it by clicking the Start button. When you see My Computer, right-click
on it and select Properties.

Yes, Those companies have forgotten what they have done best and have
attempted to become "everything" to eveyone. They have spread theirselves to
thin and don't concentrate on one area effectively anymore. I consider both
comanies products bad for they behave similar to the viruses they are
supposed to protect you from. They take control of your system, make it run
slow and keep prompting you to purchase their software constantly. This is
what you don't want in the first place.

BTW: Here are some aternatives and some help to the situation
http://www.randem.cm/virusproblems.html

Ginnie

No software is 100% effective. However, I do not choose to criticise the
detection rate of McAfee, or Norton for that matter. That is not the
issue. The point is that the freeware alternatives can do as good a job
at no expense without the system performance issues McAfee and Norton
create.

Just today I replaced a McAfee install with Kaspersky 2009. A full
scan of the computer found 17 different infectors. Not a good score
for a recent version of McAfee, fully updated.

"Gerry" <gerry> wrote in message
news:1916
[..]

Isn't the problem that if one gets in it can disable the security
programe and then the others can get on board. Had McAfee been disabled?
Was it McAfee Internet Security or the Anti-Virus? What was the
infection that started the problem?

It was the Security suite. I'm not sure about when the problems
began. As with Norton, the uninstall required the McAfee tool
to get the remnants off the PC. I didn't take the Kaspersky log
with me but it was a common mix of infectors. Between the new
AV/Malwarebytes and Windows Defender it's back online. The
customer usually tips you off to infections with the comment "It
takes forever ( or a long time ) for web pages to load."

"Gerry" <gerry> wrote in message
news:5540
[..]

Thanks - I never had a problem with McAfee - just that my system was running
slow - from what I have read - I guess instead of renewing go to a free one -

"Gerry" wrote:
[..]

I found this software not to be free - gives trial subscription.

"R. McCarty" wrote:
[..]

Computer is 4 years old - has 512 ram
"Gerry" wrote:
[..]

Did he say it was free?

Ginnie wrote:
[..]

No he didn't - guess assumed it was - just actually how does one know what
security program to subscribe to!!!!

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
[..]

Programs always evolve and change. One example is AdAware. I used
to globally install it on machines. Now I use a mix of Windows Defender,
MalwareBytes and Spybot Search & Destroy.
Anti-Virus software is very difficult to choose. Many folks opt for a free
product like AVG Free, Avast, ClamWin. Of the fee based ones I prefer
Eset's NOD32, Kaspersky and BitDefender. McAfee & Norton ( Home )
are just living off their market share. In days gone by both were better
than their current offerings.
The same can be said for Roxio and Nero. In their days both were good
Optical disk burning apps. These days they are both bloated and shabby.
You can accomplish burning with apps like CD Burner XP Pro and one
for .Iso's called ImageBurn for free.
Part of the problem with software is marketing. Only the major players
get shelf space at retail stores like Best Buy. ( Not that I would ever
recommend Best Buy ). For customers who are looking for a product in
a traditional box they don't get exposed to new & improved choices since
many software products are distributed by web purchase and download.

"Ginnie" <Ginnie> wrote in message
news:2037
[..]