Firmware Upgrades ? ?

[Fenrir Enterprises]

I seem to remember a thread a little before the forum change where several people had their printer firmware upgrade without their knowledge because it auto-upgraded-and-installed if the computer was connected to the internet.

I can't remember what brand it was, but whenever one manufacturer decides to do something evil the rest of them usually follow suit after awhile.

But yeah unless there's actually something wrong with a piece of hardware (or in the case of routers or such a severe security issue) I never install firmware... it's too much of a gamble!

 

[stratman]

Printer drivers do not equal firmware. Firmware historically has been a user initiated update if for no other reason than to prevent bricking (ruin, to make a paper weight) your hardware due to powering off during the update -- the user must know not to stop the update in any fashion.

Look through the software options for the printer and turn off automatic updates if that is present and thencheck for updates IF something is not functioning properly or there is new functionality you want/require.

I do this with Windows, Adobe and other software - except Norton Internet Security which I am ok with auto-updates.

 

[Emulator]

Talking about internet security, I have been using the free Microsoft Security Essentials for about a year now, when I got fed up paying an annual fee. Seems to perform extremely well, comes up with prompt warnings when you are web searching on doubtful sites, like "there is a program running, that is slowing your computer, do you wish to stop this program, yes or no?" It does all the usual security things and regularly has updates. Surprisingly it does not seem to be publicised, but is well worth considering.

It got top marks in the "Which" review of internet security software.

 

[stratman]

You may be alright with Microsoft. Take a look at the following web page and decide for yourself. It is helpful to look at some of the test sites' results to get a better idea.

http://www.howtogeek.com/173291/goo...w-recommends-you-use-a-third-party-antivirus/

I wait for the "free after rebates" deals on antiviral and internet security apps. I have been using Norton Internet Security for the past couple years since they re-wrote it and it is good on resources and seems to do a good job. Today I saw the FAR deal on Kaspersky antivirus in which if both rebates work then you make money. If the Kaspersky Internet Security for 3 computers has a FAR before my current subscription ends then I will go with it, otherwise I will use Norton's again as they often have the FAR to suit my needs.

 

[Emulator]

Interesting, I am still using XP and Essentials seems to have more regular definition updates than the others I have used and I have not suffered any catastrophies yet, it all runs very smoothly.

We don't seem to get the FARs in the UK, it's like the Pro100 printers!

 

[barfl2]

I have used Avira for 4 years it is very reasonable (lot cheaper than Norton) I personally find Norton a bit annoying with its pop-up messages. However No.1 Son rates Norton and he is the computer expert in the family.

Had Kaspersky but did not get on all that well with it. Avira updates daily, runs quietly in the background. I also do a scan with Malwarebytes occasionally this does seem to dig a bit deeper and find adware items.

Windows firewall is also pretty good.

 

[stratman]

Emu:

AVG Internet Security 2014 FREE for 1 year at http://sharewareonsale.com/s/free-avg-internet-security-2014-54-99-value. You need to sign up to the web site but there is no money involved. I also check http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/ for free 1 year subscription software also.

 

[Emulator]

Hi stratman,
I had a look at AVG, some time ago, but wasn't tempted. My son used it for a while but then became frustrated with annual renewal restrictions and switched to MS Essentials without problems. So that is the favourite here at the moment.

 

[Fenrir Enterprises]

I'm disappointed in that review for MSE because I wanted to drop AVG. I've been using it for years but it got slower several years ago then got worse when they tried to make it Look Like Smartphone Software just like everything else is doing (desktops aren't phones). My whole reason for ditching Norton/Mcafee a long time ago was because of how badly they bogged down most mid-range and slower computers.

Also that incident where Mcafee deleted components of Windows by accident.

It's been a long time since I've looked at Avast and Avira. I don't remember which happened with which, but one required an email address to download so I didn't want it (yes I know it's free but I still hate being forced to give it) the other one shut down the wireless in a customer's laptop and could not be fixed without uninstalling. So I quit thinking about them a long time ago but I figure it's time to give at least one of them a second chance.

I tried MSE and it ran nicely. I may end up using it anyway.

 

[stratman]

Norton was rewritten several years ago and is not the resource hog it was. Very nice software all around. If you have concern about performance then try the 30 day fully functional free trial. I loaded the trial version when I installed the hard drive in my new computer because I was too lazy to go upstairs at the time to get the software box that held the Key. On the 29th day (more procrastination and forgetting to bring down the software box) I entered in my Key and registration automatically proceeded.

Kaspersky and ESET NOD 32 have long been considered tops and would be my other consideration.

Looking at the various reviews by known testers of antiviral and internet security software, I will go with Kaspersky this year if I can get it free after rebate. Otherwise I will stick with Norton Internet Security as it has done a fine job the past couple of years and the 2014 version is already runny nicely on my machines.

Including the other sites I mentioned before, you can find Free After Rebate from Newegg and Frys.com. These offers may come on a weekly basis for the various makers of the software - every Friday at Frys. With these FAR there is no excuse for not having top tier full protection every year that cost nothing or tax depending on the state you live in. I get the offers that are for 3 PC's.

The only caveat to getting full refund is to own one AV or internet security software form anybody previously at any time in your life and in your possession to show proof of previous purchase. I just scan the disk and mail that in as proof with the rebate form. You can also print out a page from the software if received on the hard drive. Obviously, read the rebate first to make sure you can meet the requirements as my experience is with Norton only and others may be different, although reading their rebates in the past everyone was pretty much the same. Then you are off to the FREE races each subsequent year for top of the industry software.

I don't know how these rebates would work if you do not live in the USA, so read the rebates closely if you live in a spaceship with The Hat.