How to leave?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Larry
  • Start date Start date
L

Larry

Hi, I downloaded and have been running MSAS on my XP sp2 machine for a
couple of weeks without problem. I've been using the automatic scans every
day, and have had no scheduling or performance problems, but all the horror
stories I see in this newsgroup frighten me. I'm not the type that should be
participating in a beta evaluation ( I wouldn't know how to fix the problems
that the qualified beta testers are finding). I think I'd better wait til
it's available commercially. Should I just disable it and not use it, or
should I remove it using the control panel add/remove programs. Is there any
way I can get into trouble by removing it? Thanks.
 
These questions that you ask depend on your own ideas. Don't jump to the
conclusion that "qualified beta testers" "know how to fix the problems"
associated with any beta program. That's the reason for this newsgroup, so
that we can pick the brains of others to determine if we have a problem and
figure out how to fix it. If you do remove it, please report your success
(or failure) here so that we can all learn from it. No one is not qualified
to teach the others what they have learned from either good or bad
experiences. One of the purposes of a beta program is to determine whether
the application is able to be used by everyone, not just the experts.

--

Ambrose F. "Buddy" Morel
(e-mail address removed)

Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds
the universe together.
 
Larry, if you aren't having problems, I don't know of any reason to think
that they will suddenly arise. More than three million folks have
downloaded this program, and there are what, maybe 10,000 at most posts in
these newsgroups over the course of the beta?

So yes, there are posts from folks with significant issues here, but the
vast majority of the users aren't having these issues.

That said, I wouldn't at all discourage you from uninstalling. It can be
done either from Start, all programs, Microsoft Antispyware, Uninstall
Microsoft Antispyware, or
Start, Control Panel, add or remove programs, Microsoft Antispyware, remove.

Both should work equally well, and neither should cause a problem on your
system, but you'll be forgoing the real-time protection Microsoft
Antispyware provides.
 
Thanks Bill. I guess I've seen so many disasters reported (that I wouldn't
know how to fix) that I am assuming that something like that is just a
matter of time. Your response suggests otherwise, right? I would like to
keep using it, but if my system developed the problems that some of these
people have, I'd be lost. Also, I remember one post from Steven Fredette
that said something to the effect that rookies shouldn't be participating in
a beta evaluation. I think it was that post that made me start feeling
nervous about the inevitability of a coming meltdown. With any
encouragement, I could be convinced to stay, because I would like the
protection, if it's really unlikely that I will have any problems (given I
haven't had any so far). Are my fears overblown? Thanks.
 
I think that the fact that you've run the program for awhile, and not
experienced any serious issues, makes the likelyhood of such issues in the
future substantially less likely.

As I've mentioned, aside from issues running the program itself, the more
serious issues posted stem from the removal of spyware--i.e. the user
installs Microsoft Antispyware, does a scan, the scan finds spyware, and the
user asks that it be removed.

In your case, you've scanned, and either found nothing, or at least not
found anything the removal of which caused any problems.

It's definitely entirely your call, and removing it is quite easy. For my
part, I've installed it on about two dozen desktops in several offices I
work with, and the only feedback I hear from the users is that they notice
when it updates its definitions.

There is a kind of chorus here that gives out a mantra about the risks of
betas, primarily when some hapless person reports having a serious problem.
I've generally avoided joining that chorus. Microsoft doesn't release
public betas of programs unless they believe they are relatively stable and
unlikely to put customers systems at risk--but it is true that the risk is
there at some level.

I think you should follow your own leadings--by all means remove the beta if
it makes you uncomfortable--and thanks for not only testing with us, but
communicating your feelings about that test--I'm glad not all the 3 million
plus downloaders have done that, but the feedback and communication we get
in these groups is valuable and helps shape the product.

Sorry for being so long winded!
 
I think most damage is relic. If I went to a doctor to have an alligator removed from my leg, I don't think I should be surprised if
part of my leg was missing after he helped me.
 
Hi Larry,

They don't call us software crash dummies for nothing!
If you haven't had a mishap yet, I suspect you won't. If you follow best
practices, which I suspect you may, then stick around and enjoy and learn a
bit about your pc.
Recall that Bill said only a smattering of over 3 million downloads have
seen to post in these boards.

Ron Chamberlin
MS-MVP
 
Back
Top