I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows Defender,
via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were available and I could
download download and install them on demand. Can I forego the automatic
scans, receive updates as available, and run full or quick scans whenever
I'm so inclined?
Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
apparent contradictions leave me asea:
1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware definition
updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the scheduled scan
is realistic.
2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than AVG.
3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can do
Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if you wish.
4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or install."
However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I look at "Review
update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells me that these are
from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or automatic update"). In my
case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes after boot up. If it finds a file
that it isn't sure of, it will call for the latest definition updates at ANY
time. There is no need to set MS updates to automatic, I am still only
informed of normal/critical updates as my setting requests.
"JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
news
iAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be ON
> at that time.
> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
> scheduled? If so, how?
> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to
> be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on,
> and connected to the Internet?
>