Microsoft scanning program, do I need this program??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cindy
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Cindy

Hello,
I got an e-mail from Microsoft with the following message:
Get a free safety scan for your computer
It's like taking your PC in for a tune-up and oil change at the service
station. Windows Live Safety Center is a free, Web-based service that gives
you quick, on-demand PC health and security scans. It also has
straightforward explanations about online threats and a vibrant online
community where you can get answers to questions about your PC.

I am using AVG free edition, free edition of Zone Alarm. I also run
Ad-Aware, Spybot, and Spyware Blaster once a week. . Do I also need the
program from Microsoft in addition to what I am using? Thank you in
advance for any comments.
 
Do you need it? Maybe not. (The application itself doesn't install, just
an ActiveX Control to run it online.)

Might you want to run the Full Service Scan at
http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm to see if the combination of
AVG, ZA, Ad-aware, Spybot and SpywareBlaster have been fully protecting you?
Why not?
 
[This followup was posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers and
a copy was sent to the cited author.]

Mon said:
I got an e-mail from Microsoft with the following message:
Get a free safety scan for your computer
Click to expand...

No you didn't; you got a spam mail. Microsoft doesn't send
unsolicited mail with updates for software. This mail is either
trying to get you to buy some third-party product, or (much worse) is
trying to get you to install a virus or other malware on your
computer.

Meaning no disrespect, for your own safety you need to be more
sophisticated about e-mail. Many mails are not from the stated
sender. and they prey on gullible people. NEVER respond to
unsolicited mail; NEVER click on links in unsolicited mail.
 
Stan said:
[This followup was posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers and
a copy was sent to the cited author.]

Mon said:
I got an e-mail from Microsoft with the following message:
Get a free safety scan for your computer
Click to expand...

No you didn't; you got a spam mail. Microsoft doesn't send
unsolicited mail with updates for software.
Click to expand...


Actually, no he didn't. Although what you say was my first reaction too,
when I read more closely I realized that Microsoft was advising him of a web
site where he can get the free scan. And this web site is a legitimate
Microsoft site.

This mail is either
trying to get you to buy some third-party product, or (much worse) is
trying to get you to install a virus or other malware on your
computer.
Click to expand...


Nope. Not in this case.
 
In (e-mail address removed) Stan Brown
wrote:
[This followup was posted to
microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers and a copy was sent to
the cited author.]

Mon said:
I got an e-mail from Microsoft with the following
message: Get a free safety scan for your computer
Click to expand...

No you didn't; you got a spam mail. Microsoft doesn't send
unsolicited mail with updates for software. This mail is
either trying to get you to buy some third-party product, or
(much worse) is trying to get you to install a virus or
other malware on your computer.

Meaning no disrespect, for your own safety you need to be
more sophisticated about e-mail. Many mails are not from the
stated sender. and they prey on gullible people. NEVER
respond to unsolicited mail; NEVER click on links in
unsolicited mail.

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
"Do I smell the revolting stench of self-esteem?"
-- Jon Lovitz, in /The Producers/ (2005)
Click to expand...

While your advice concerning unsolicited email is right on the
mark, it's more likely that the OP subscribes to this
newsletter.

Security Newsletter for Home Users
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/secnews/newsletters/Security_05_1213.htm

Nepatsfan
 
Tue, 27 Dec 2005 08:35:27 -0500 from Stan Brown
No you didn't; you got a spam mail.
Click to expand...

Thanks to both Ken Blake and Nepatsfan for your corrections. While we
all agree that it's right to be suspicious of the From address on
unsolicited e-mail, apparently the one the OP received was
legitimate.
 
Stan said:
Tue, 27 Dec 2005 08:35:27 -0500 from Stan Brown


Thanks to both Ken Blake and Nepatsfan for your corrections.
Click to expand...


You're welcome, Stan. Glad to help.

While we
all agree that it's right to be suspicious of the From address on
unsolicited e-mail,
Click to expand...


Absolutely!
 
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