[justme41]

I just bought a new computer - a Dell with and I need to install my printer (Cannon) - the directions said to 'disable' any antivirus software before doing so. I installed it on my old computer with no problem and don't recall doing that then. So, I started looking at the Windows Security Center to see what was 'abled', etc. This computer is supposed to have a "McAfee Security Center 30 day Trial" but the Windows Security center says under Malware Protection: Windows did not find antivirus software on this computer "Not Found" and Show me my available options

Then, under "Spyware and other Malware protection" it says Windows defender is actively defending your computer ON

Where's the McAfee antivirus protection?

If it is there - how do I know and will I get notified when the 30 day trial is up?

When can I 'install' antivirus software and not harm my computer because instructions say you should never install a 2nd antivirus software if you already have one.

Also - is it really necessary to 'disable' antivirus software to install my printer? If so, how do I do that.

And, finally (maybe ) how reliable/safe/good is the free AVG antivirus software? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

[blitzkreig]

And, finally (maybe ) how reliable/safe/good is the free AVG antivirus software? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

well, usually you receive an email when your trial has expired. When did you purchase mcafee security centre?
I can't really comment on the printer problem because I am not much into hardware.
However, on TSG, we have stopped recommending AVG because it is in total doldrums, it seems to detect false positives and also seems to be ineffective when it comes to dealing with malware. However, you get better antivirus programs for free namely, avira personal edition and avast home edition. Both are free for non-commercial use. If you wish to pay, kaspersky internet security, bitdefender and eset nod32 are the current leaders.

[justme41]

Thanks for the advice about AVG and your recommendations.

You asked when I "purchased mcafee security centre?" I didn't ... This new computer maybe it's Windows Vista 'came with' a 30 day trial but now it sounds to me like it isn't just on here automatically? I would still have to download/install it? That's why currently the Windows Security Center says under Malware Protection: Windows did not find antivirus software on this computer and the status is "Not Found"?? So technically right at this moment I don't have any antivirus software on here?

Looking for confirmation of that and also still if someone could answer the question about disabling antivirus software before I install my printer software? Is that really necessary? Thanks for your help!

[justme41]

Also ... your recommendations of Avast and Avira aren't listed in the listing provided in the Windows security center that they say "provide security software that is compatible with Windows Vista" ... that doesn't mean they won't be ok to use with Windows Vista correct?

[perfume]

justme41,

I'll try and show you how simple it "should" be to locate your trial version of McAfee! Open" Start" and open "Search" and select "all files and folders". Once you open it,scroll down and look at the helpful Doggie"called" search Companion", open it and select"all files and folders". Then in the "search Box" type McAfee Security Center" and ok "search"! the search will be done in all the drives (if you have made partitions) and you should be able to see the results! If nothing is displayed,then opt for ESET Smart Security Internet Suite(nod32) , because it's a great product and you get to use it's full version for one month and evaluate before buying!

Remember the caveat, don't have two A-Vs running parallelly as i have seen enough computers crashing to fill my belly!