Vista Anti-Spyware hostile takeover

[Corrine]

Not to worry, Susan.  We'll be here.

[Daisy]

Checking the Adobe link you gave me for Flash Player, it said   "You have version 10,2,159,1 installed."

But when I go to the Program Files--Adobe, below listed is all I see, no Adobe Flash Player:

Acrobat.com
Reader 9.0
Reader 10.0

When I go through Control Panel--Programs, I do see Adobe Flash Player listed.

Thank you for the run vs. save explanation.  When you save, is a program also installed? (They say there are no dumb questions, but that just could be one!)

[winchester73]

Not all applications get listed in the "Program Files", and Flash Player is one of those that isn't.  The current version is 10.3.181.14, so you are not out-of-date by too long.

No, a program is not installed when you "save".  That option downloads the program/installer (you can assign a location where it is stored) to your computer for you to install at a later time.  It's meant as an extra layer of security should you wish to scan with something like an anti-virus before installing.  That's especially useful if you are not sure of the "safety" of a program and want to do some further checking before installing and using it.

[Daisy]

Hi,

Now I have the following on the computer:

Microsoft Security Essentials
Malawarebytes Anti-Malware
SpywareBlaster (just installed & "Enabled All Protection")
WinPatrol (just installed.  Does the start-up programs window look OK?  Wonder about AVGuninstall.)

It seems like a lot to me, but I guess it's like castle protection--you have the moat, the drawbridge,
the gatehouse, the flaming arrows, the catapult, etc., etc.???? Right?

[Corrine]

What an excellent description! 

You can have WinPatrol remove AVGUninstallURL from startup.  Just launch WinPatrol (right-click on the Scotty dog in the task bar), accept the UAC prompt and highlight/click the AVGUninstallURL item on the Startup tab.  Click Remove.

[winchester73]

Daisy, you have hit the nail upon the head.  A layered security protection scheme is likely the best option.  Seems a bit redundant but it also seems most effective.   :thumbsup:

[Daisy]

Thank you, all.  It's a good feeling to have the computer running well.  I'd like to shoot a flaming arrow at whoever invented Vista Anti-Spyware.  Because it says "Vista" users think it is part of their computer system, and as I recall, it has a little shield icon with 4 colors.  Very confusing.
Love the little Scottie dog on WinPatrol.

Thanks again!

Susan