a couple of questions about Windows Security Essentials

[Celebration]

I have been visiting my daughter (out of town) when I noticed that her anti virus software was about to run out--Kaspersky. It had originally been put on her computer by a computer guy she hired to get rid of a bad malware problem. I'm not exactly an expert on anti-virus programs, but I knew I would get roped into paying for an extension of her current program if I didn't do something. So I removed the program (also McAfee was still on there and I removed that), and downloaded Windows Security Essentials.

The default settings say that it will run a quick scan at 2am Sunday. She has a laptop that is never on at 2am Sunday. So, does it just never run, or does it run if she turns it on after that? Also, it gave no option for a full scan automatically. I had been under the impression that a full scan should be run every week or so. I realize that you can choose to run it, but it isn't automatic. Or maybe I am wrong and a full scan doesn't need to be run unless you suspect a problem?

She chooses not to be the most tech savvy person, so I would love to have it set up so that everything she needs is automatic. Are the default settings adequate to protect the computer? Or should I tweak them somehow, remind her to do something?

[CK_John]

1. MSE has very good ratings and MS has skin in this game(get rid of virus).

It will do a scan the next boot after Sun at 2:00am.

I also set resources to use at 50%. This keeps it from slowing your machine to a crawl.

The major thing is to have her click clean computer if the balloon pops up when you are line and to update when it(taskbar symbol that reminds me of a Monopoly hotel piece) turn to a sand color. MS has good video on the MSE site(just a few minutes) shows what popup looks like.

Also a full version scan seems big overkill because this is designed to stop stuff from coming in and if it's in then Superantisypware or Malewarebyte should be used.

CCleaner user should unclick any mse or spyware in utilies and system (or you will wipeoff updates, tc).

[Celebration]

2. Thanks!

Answered every question and then some. Much appreciated.

[Jack Sprat]

3. Highly recommended.

I have used it some 3 years and rock solid anti-virus. You can change the scan time on the Settings of MSE to any hour you choose and even the type of scan (full or quick).

MSE is okay by me and my experience.