Just a warning for you PC/Windows XP users, I've briefly tested the new free antivirus/spyware product by Microsoft; initial thoughts, don't bother.

Within four hours of usage I rebooted my Dell laptop and desktop over a dozen times each. Both Firefox and Chrome browsers froze. Even simple applications like Notepad froze; Internet Explorer v6 seemed to be okay...surprise. Both my systems slowed to a crawl when loading various applications and/or websites, even Apparelyzed froze; the caches did not help, everything was snail slow loading as well.

I un-installed the software, rebooted/restarted and all is good. I'll test further with Vista and update this note...I'm not holding my breath.

Mac users, stop laughing, I'll be one of you some day...

Jerry

You don't have to go that far Jerry! Just stick with Linux.

VISTA! I heard that Vista is the next biggest virus after windows 95

MS !

Vista is indeed!

Jerry, thanks for heads up .

Microsoft can't get anything right..... They Suck.....

Jim

I had the same problems with the update on my "legal" copy of XP pro. There are few anti-virus alternatives out there, AVG, Avast, ect. In reality do you really trust Micro$haft to handle your anti-virus / security needs?

It's just another way for them to shove their WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) crap down your throat. Windows 7 holds some promise, but I will not be upgrading anytime soon.

--Dave

BTW, Apple released an update a few days ago called "iPhone Configuration Utility 2.1" for windows that pretty muched turned your windows machine into an Apache Server without your knowledge. Even if you don't have an iPhone it was still in the default update. Apple did remove the iPhone Configuration Utility from Software Update for Windows.

I've had serious issues with my testing within Win 7. Same as Jerry - browsers dying or hanging especially. Plus, I've taken a look at some of the registry stuff... That's also a bit effed IMO. I've been running a GPS tracking web-based software through it... Stick with XP a bit longer.

Oh, and with my GIS testing, some seriously bad overlays, especially Chrome and Safari browsers.

I never do the security updates, because the companies I'm working with block all of them (wisely).

Worst Microsoft OS would have to be ME, hands down. Vista and 7 are better than that craphole.

Snow Leopard has been a bit tetchy on occasion for me... Apple ain't flawless.

Update...

Vista Ultimate exhibits the same behavior as noted in my first post. Additionally, upon installation, Security Essentials also turns Automatic Updates ON; even if you have this shut off, it doesn't ask, it just turns it on.

Funny thing, baffling actually...I tested MS Office 2003; Access, Excel and Word, yep they all crashed under XP and Vista...wtf tested before release; oh yea we do...

Note, all patches/updates for XP running IE6 were installed on my XP Pro machines. My Vista desktop has all patches/updates installed and is running IE8.