Goodbye Norton Antivirus

I was in the local Best Buy lustfully looking at the new Windows 7 laptops and overheard a conversation about antivirus programs.  The sales associate was trying to encourage the new computer buyer to get the extended anti-virus program so that she would be covered for the next three years. I wanted to butt in and say, “Don’t do it. Microsoft has a free anti-virus program available to download.

Microsoft Security Essentials is highly rated and FREE.

The one thing I don’t like about it is that it seems to run and take up lots of resources when I first start the computer. MSMPENG.EXE is the file that I find running under my processes and taking up 50% of my resources.  Here’s a link which discusses this problem (click here)

Note – this is such a hassle on my XP machine, that I got rid of it and went back to AVG Free 8.5
My Windows 7 machine seems to be fine with MSE.

Chart – Upgrading to Windows 7

Since I have Windows XP, it looks like I have to do a clean install or setup a dual-boot system.

Make sure you image your system drive and backup your data before installing Windows 7.

XP to Windows 7

In just 2 1/2 months, Oct. 22nd, you’ll be able to buy or upgrade to Windows 7 from XP. Paul Thurrott, provides a great tutorial for the process and all your different options. (click here)

Backup with Windows 7

I’ve always paid in the past for good backup software. I use Second Copy for my data and Acronis True Image for image backups of my system drive. It seems that might all come to a screeching halt when Windows 7 comes out with what looks like good backup software. According to Paul Thurrott’s product comparison, all versions of Win 7 will do image and data backups which is just what most people need. The only question I have is whether or not it will do Incremental backups which can be a big time and space saver. Neowin.net has a nice overview of the process.

Don’t Buy a New Computer Now!

Windows 7 should be coming out in a few months and if you can wait, you’ll be rewarded. All the  press I’ve seen lately says Windows 7 is MUCH BETTER than Vista. Here’s a site with many of the new features.(click here).

Note – Windows7 is slated for an October 22nd release!