Is Windows Defender part of the Operating System for Windows 7 Professional 64-bit?
Experts,
Our company just purchased a new desktop computer running the Windows 7 Professional 64-bit operating system. I was wondering if Microsoft's Windows Defender is part of the operating system? The new computer does not have an anti-virus program installed, so I'm hesitant to obtain Internet access without some kind of protection. If Windows Defender is NOT part of the operating system, then how can it be safely installed?
PS. Our company has purchased an anti-virus program for the computer, but it will not be available for another two weeks (red tape issue). Until then, I will need Internet access to activate the Office software and get it configured for the user's needs.
Your thoughts?
fw
Our company just purchased a new desktop computer running the Windows 7 Professional 64-bit operating system. I was wondering if Microsoft's Windows Defender is part of the operating system? The new computer does not have an anti-virus program installed, so I'm hesitant to obtain Internet access without some kind of protection. If Windows Defender is NOT part of the operating system, then how can it be safely installed?
PS. Our company has purchased an anti-virus program for the computer, but it will not be available for another two weeks (red tape issue). Until then, I will need Internet access to activate the Office software and get it configured for the user's needs.
Your thoughts?
fw
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Users at companies are particularly prone to clicking on dodgy links and wrecking their machines. The answers above about MSE are largely correct, but I recommend top grade, paid, commercial anti virus for company machines.
And in a corporate environment, MSE free cannot be used. You need Microsoft Forefront which is a paid product.
And in a corporate environment, MSE free cannot be used. You need Microsoft Forefront which is a paid product.
John Hurst's advice is the best for your circumstances. And you are on the road to that aim, as you said. Meanwhile do the best you could by using a workable free alternative.
[Note: MSE is free for small businesses with less than 10 computers.]
[Note: MSE is free for small businesses with less than 10 computers.]
ASKER
Experts,
Thanks for the clarification, as I thought Windows Defender was the anti-virus/spam solution.
How do I turn on MSE on this computer if it's part of the operating system? (New to Windows 7 operating system).
Thanks,
fw
Thanks for the clarification, as I thought Windows Defender was the anti-virus/spam solution.
How do I turn on MSE on this computer if it's part of the operating system? (New to Windows 7 operating system).
Thanks,
fw
To get Security Essentials for Windows 7 from Microsoft, go to the link below and click on the green link to get Security Essentials for Windows 7.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/security-essentials-download
I hope that helps.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/security-essentials-download
I hope that helps.
ASKER
Thanks Experts!
Windows Defender (WD) is part of Windows 8/8.1.
Turn on MSE and worry not.
[WD turns itself on, and off when another security product is installed.]