Computer Status Potentially Unprotected

[smurfchops]

I loaded a free Microsoft anti virus from the internet onto my new laptop around a month ago, it hasn't reminded me that it is coming to an end but when i click on the logo with the flag on the top, it says Computer Status potentially Unprotected. What should I do ? How can I find out how long my Microsoft antivirus lasts and can I renew it ? Is there anything that is free for longer than a month ? I have just upgraded something that Microsoft told me to do, but it doesn't seem to be the antivirus.

[bibblebub]

There's several free anti-virus programs available: http://www.freebyte.com/antivirus/

Other people will probably suggest AVG, I personally use Avast!.

[smurfchops]

bibble should I delete the Microsoft anti virus first, and if so, how (I have Windows 7).

[redman41]

Is it Microsoft Security Essentials that you are talking about ? This is a Freeware product from Microsoft and should be ongoing for as long as you want it.
I downloaded mine from Microsoft website and there are no problems.

[smurfchops]

I haven/tgot the foggiest. How can I found out ?

[redman41]

It should be in your list of installed Programmes if you click on 'Start' and then 'Control Panel'

[smurfchops]

I found it in Programmes, yes I do have Microsoft Security Essentials. I clicked on it, it asked me to do a scan which I hadn't done for a while. it did the scan and now the flag says Protected. Thanks all, one happy customer.

[redman41]

It needs updating on a daily basis smurfchops which is what I do.

[smurfchops]

Didn't realise that, thanks.

[ayabrea38]

Me either,so do I just install the new updates when they say they are available ie when the flag thing says 'new updates are available'?

[BertiWooster]

In the - settings - screen , set it to run a scan daily and tick the box where it says
'' check for latest virus & spyware defenitions before running scheduled scan ''

[ayabrea38]

How odd!Thats just what I did.Amazing,I sussed something out myself and now I know I was right cos someone else said the same thing.
Thanks Bertiewooster