[gghershman1]

I have a laptop with Windows 7 Starter. I also have Charter Security Suite & my Windows Firewall w/ Advanced security turned ON. Recently I get a message in the 'Action Center Notices' to turn on the Windows Security Center. This hasn't happened in the previous year I've been using this laptop. But when I try to turn it on, I get the message "Can't be Started". Can someone help? I've scanned my computer for all sorts of problems but there are none found. Thanks alot!

[AgentF]

Hi gghershman. Welcome to the community!

Restarting the computer usually fixes errors like that in which services or applications that should have started up don't. Start with that.

As for the security suite provided by Internet Service Providers, I don't like them. I think they do a poor job and I'd rather build my own "security suite" complete with programs I trust and are respected in the anti-malware community. First, start with a real-time anti-malware application. Programs that call themselves "anti-virus clients" protect against a wide variety of malware, not just viruses. These types of programs typically have the real-time protection option enabled by default. For real-time protection, I use Avira AntiVir Personal (Free).

Since no single program is perfect, and some malware target specific anti-malware clients to avoid detection, it's a good idea to have at least one on-demand program. It's called "on-demand" because it will only scan when you tell it to. For on-demand protection, I use both Malwarebytes' Anti-malware (free) and Super AntiSpyware (free). The free versions only allow on-demand protection. By default, SuperAntiSpyware detects and removes tracking cookies, which aren't necessarily malicious, but a good thing to remove anyway. Don't be alarmed if SAS detects 10 "threats" and they all turn out to be tracking cookies.

I think with a security suite like that, you'll be much more secure against incoming threats and more able to remove any that do get in. Other decent, free, real-time clients include Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG, and Avast, but only have one real-time protection enabled at a time.

[LiveBrianD]

For realtime protection, Microsoft Security Essentials is my first choice, followed by Avast Free. I thought AVG wasn't too good. I agree about malwarebytes and superantispyware for ondemand scanners though.

[gghershman1]

Thanks alot!! You both were very helpful.

[Tunz]

gghershman1, on 13 August 2011 - 04:43 PM, said:

I have a laptop with Windows 7 Starter. I also have Charter Security Suite & my Windows Firewall w/ Advanced security turned ON. Recently I get a message in the 'Action Center Notices' to turn on the Windows Security Center. This hasn't happened in the previous year I've been using this laptop. But when I try to turn it on, I get the message "Can't be Started". Can someone help? I've scanned my computer for all sorts of problems but there are none found. Thanks alot!

I am of the same mind as AgentF and Brian on Security suites, but to enable Windows Security Center, go to the search box at the Start button and type in services.msc. In the Services window that results, scroll down and ensure that Security Center and Security Accounts Manager are both Started and set to Automatic.

[gghershman1]

Tunz, on 15 August 2011 - 08:17 PM, said:

gghershman1, on 13 August 2011 - 04:43 PM, said:

I have a laptop with Windows 7 Starter. I also have Charter Security Suite & my Windows Firewall w/ Advanced security turned ON. Recently I get a message in the 'Action Center Notices' to turn on the Windows Security Center. This hasn't happened in the previous year I've been using this laptop. But when I try to turn it on, I get the message "Can't be Started". Can someone help? I've scanned my computer for all sorts of problems but there are none found. Thanks alot!

I am of the same mind as AgentF and Brian on Security suites, but to enable Windows Security Center, go to the search box at the Start button and type in services.msc. In the Services window that results, scroll down and ensure that Security Center and Security Accounts Manager are both Started and set to Automatic.

I have the Security Accounts Manager which is turned on & set to automatic. But I don't have a listing for 'Security Center'. So I quess I don't have it. I'm sceptical about downloading free anti-virus stuff like you all mentioned, I worry that it will be infected. But also it is usually suggested to disable other anti-virus software, which I am also sceptical about disabling my Charter Security.
I will think about that though & maybe look into it some more. Thanks!!

[SpiritWind]

Hi :

Security "Suite(s)" usually have their own "firewall",
which IF "activated" CONFLICTS with the built-in Windows
one. Only 1 "firewall" should be "active" at any point in
time and a security "suite" one will usually "de-activate"
the Windows one. Have you checked this possiblity ?

[AgentF]

gghershman1, on 16 August 2011 - 03:19 AM, said:

I have the Security Accounts Manager which is turned on & set to automatic. But I don't have a listing for 'Security Center'. So I quess I don't have it. I'm sceptical about downloading free anti-virus stuff like you all mentioned, I worry that it will be infected. But also it is usually suggested to disable other anti-virus software, which I am also sceptical about disabling my Charter Security.
I will think about that though & maybe look into it some more. Thanks!!

Free does not mean cheap, especially in the software world. If you're unsure about trusting my recommendations, search those product names in Google and you'll find hundreds of websites with posts by thousands of malware removal professionals and hobbyists recommending them.

Those products are developed by people very interested or even passionate about preventing and removing malware. Charter is interested in making money with their cable tv and Internet plans. They offer basic security applications just to say they offer something just like their competitors. Even if you're still not convinced on changing your real-time protection, just try even one of my on-demand suggestions. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.