Ad-aware Free Anniversary Ed.

Does anyone use it? Does it play nicely with other anti-spyware programs (i.e. McAfee Internet Security)? I ask this because I have McAfee on my home computer and would like to bolster its protection.

A second part to my question about Ad-aware is this: is it solely for home private use? The reason I ask this is simply that our corporation will not purchase any anti-spyware or antivirus programs for its nineteen stores. We've been told to download "free trials" of programs and when they run out... uninstall them and download the next free trial. It's absolutely ridiculous but that is our reality. So... I continue to look for free programs to protect our store's computer.

 

yeah... I have activated Windows Defender, Pete. I've also downloaded and installed Clamwin which appears to be free to anyone (including businesses). I'm wondering about Spyware Terminator which appears to integrate with Clamwin. Have you any information on that.

I know, Christer, it sounds unbelievable but it's true. But let me state "all" the facts. When our computer was set up two years ago, it came with a 60 trial of Norton. Once the trial period was over we no longer received any updated definitions. I e-mailed the IT person back at corporate and asked him about this. He told me that we would be fine and not to worry about it. About a month ago when I contacted him he informed me that it would be fine to download and install the latest version of Kaspersky for a 30 day free trial period. Of course, when it expires we're right back to square one. The guy is obviously an idiot.

So I've decided to take matters into my own hands and do what I can.

 

Though Clamwin is a good enough antivirus, it does not offers online protection. You have to manually scan your computer.

It should not be used as your primary antivirus.

 

Well... what would you suggest given my circumstances? And no... corporate is disinterested in paying for protection so it will either have to be free OR a free trial after which I will need to uninstall it and move on to the next free trial.

 

May the force be with you.

Don't worry, I myself have experienced the problem that you are facing. The corporation does not wants to spend money on security, but once they are whacked - oh boy, then the fun starts.

My advice to you would be to formally inform your higher ups including CEO/CFO/HOD etc. the problem you are facing, including the steps that you have already taken to get it resolved. Then remove all the trial versions that you have installed/or wait for their get trial period to get over. Do not install any other trial version & again formally inform the superiors that the computers are running naked without any protection & that there has been no resolution to your problem. Many times, this is all needed for somebody higher to get interested. If nothing happens, you have done your job. Just keep your fingers crossed.

 

James,

You probably don't want to share the name of your company, but I would not knowingly do business with any company that might have some of my personal information and not take adequate protective measures for that information. Not to say that there are no good, free programs for companies that have as many as 19 stores, but it appears that the corporate attitude is not directed at client/customer service and protection - rather the only factor in this equation is cost. Just my 2 cents.

 

You know... I've actually toyed with the idea of paying for it myself. But I've resisted since it galls me that this company won't help out. And the nineteen stores (retail) is a mere drop in the bucket for this corporation. They are mainly a wholesaler supplying some of the largest companies in America with their product. And no... Virginia, I'm not about to share their name. *gulp* Frankly, I'm ashamed and angered by the attitude of both the CEO and the IT department.

 

Arie: What I'm doing is trying to comply NOT break any laws. That is why I've asked questions pertaining to "FREE" security software for commercial users. Furthermore, downloading free trial software shouldn't violate anything provided we remove that after the trial period OR it simply ceases to be functional. I'm doing everything in my power to comply with the company's IT person (a first class jerk, I might add) and at the same time, render our computer at our store as safe as possible.

The latest rounds with our IT person were short and to the point. When I suggested he consider Comodo as a free alternative for the stores, he told me in no uncertain terms to download the free trial of Kaspersky and then to let him know how things were functioning. I've saved that e-mail should anything come of it. In short, I am not in a position to over-ride his directives. I have no alternative but to follow them. He is responsible, not I, for the decisions made relating to the software used and to the outcome of such.

 

HeHeHe - You are in a tough spot with a bean counter having enough authority to effect a policy decision like that. As has already been mentioned, I wouldn't shop your stores either but that probably wouldn't matter to your management team. So what are you going to do?

Unfortunately, you can't butt heads with the policy makers unless you no longer need a paycheck. One could always send an anonymous note to the CEO describing this sad state of affairs and attach a copy of this article describing T.J. Maxx's potential financial exposure to their security breach. If that doesn't help bring about any changes, you may want to dust off your resume. If the company is that cheap, just how good do you feel about your future growth potential?

 

Something to think about. Thanks for all the input, everyone.