Preinstalled McAfee LiveSafe on laptop - Should I Uninstall?

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  1. Posts : 32
    Windows 10
       #11

    I was blissfully unaware of all of the hate for McAfee when I purchased my new laptop last year so I activated and have been using it ever since. My first year was free and I renewed for 20 bucks. It does not bog down my system (except on occasion when it's updating) or cause any other issues. I've also never had a virus or problem and it actually blocked a couple of threats.

    Now that I am aware of the McAfee hate, I can say I really don't understand it. It seems fine to me although this is my first PC for personal use so I have nothing to compare it to.
    Last edited by JBGoode; 22 Jul 2016 at 07:08.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #12

    hTconeM9user said:
    When I uninstalled McAfee I found it hard to get rid off how I did it was.
    Go to file explorer, then programs including X86
    Then click on each folder that is named McAfee
    I then used Revo Uninstaller
    Clicked on the folder and that removed all traces of it
    You will probably have to do it in both lots of Programs
    Once done
    <snip>
    Security programs insinuate themselves deeply into the system, OS, registry, etc. That, to some extent, is necessary in order for the program to provide deep protection. Some of them -- McAfee especially -- can be hard to fully remove

    That's why it's generally "best practice" to use the software vendor's own removal tool, when needed*.
    While 3rd-party uninstallers can be used for difficult cases, it's probably a good idea in most circumstances to follow the software vendor's own, specific removal procedures, using their own special tool.
    (*FWIW, I have not needed to use Kaspersky's special tool for several years, on several Win7 and Win10 systems. IOW, a proper, routine "uninstall" from the Windows Control Panel has worked just fine.)

    Others may have additional advice.
    MM
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #13

    JBGoode said:
    Now that I am aware of the McAfee hate, I can say I really don't understand it. It seems fine to me although this is my first PC for personal use so I have nothing to compare it to.
    Choice of security applications lies with the user for his/her system hardware/software, computing habits, budget, etc.
    There is no one "best" choice to suit all users and computers. It boils down to personal preference.

    I prefer a more robust security suite with more user configuration control and more frequent database updates. (It used to be the case and might still be the case that McAfee updates only once per day, causing it to lag on protection against zero-hour and zero-day threats). But my main reason for moving to Kaspersky was a"routine" McAfee program update years ago that bricked my brand-new computer (and the computers of many other users). Once I recovered from that, I never went back.

    The nominal cost of a robust AV does not drive my decision-making. A few cents per day per computer is a worthwhile investment factored in to the cost of owning and operating a PC. It is much cheaper than the time, aggravation and money spent to recover from a security breach, malware incident, identity theft or other catastrophe. Every AV has its fans and detractors. There are many fine choices. Most/all of the "free" AVs (except WD) come with ads, toolbars, reduced features, reduced support or other potential disadvantages.

    Nor does the "resource consumption" issue resonate for me. I do not game. But my systems (and nearly all modern PCs) are robust enough to run a modern version of a robust AV. I have never had a "slowdown" issue running McAfee or Kaspersky (or other AVs) on my recent or current systems. I suppose, however, that "resource usage" might be an issue for some users on older hardware.

    Ultimately, each user must choose the security strategy and programs that work best for him/her and the computer on which they will be used. (If you search this forum and many other computer support fora, you will find 100s of passionate debates on the subject.)

    As many have pointed out, no one security program or group of programs can protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time. The most critical key is the computer part between the chair and the keyboard.

    Cheers,
    MM
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #14

    MoxieMomma said:
    Choice of security applications lies with the user for his/her system hardware/software, computing habits, budget, etc.
    There is no one "best" choice to suit all users and computers. It boils down to personal preference.

    I prefer a more robust security suite with more user configuration control and more frequent database updates. (It used to be the case and might still be the case that McAfee updates only once per day, causing it to lag on protection against zero-hour and zero-day threats). But my main reason for moving to Kaspersky was a"routine" McAfee program update years ago that bricked my brand-new computer (and the computers of many other users). Once I recovered from that, I never went back.

    The nominal cost of a robust AV does not drive my decision-making. A few cents per day per computer is a worthwhile investment factored in to the cost of owning and operating a PC. It is much cheaper than the time, aggravation and money spent to recover from a security breach, malware incident, identity theft or other catastrophe. Every AV has its fans and detractors. There are many fine choices. Most/all of the "free" AVs (except WD) come with ads, toolbars, reduced features, reduced support or other potential disadvantages.

    Nor does the "resource consumption" issue resonate for me. I do not game. But my systems (and nearly all modern PCs) are robust enough to run a modern version of a robust AV. I have never had a "slowdown" issue running McAfee or Kaspersky (or other AVs) on my recent or current systems. I suppose, however, that "resource usage" might be an issue for some users on older hardware.

    Ultimately, each user must choose the security strategy and programs that work best for him/her and the computer on which they will be used. (If you search this forum and many other computer support fora, you will find 100s of passionate debates on the subject.)

    As many have pointed out, no one security program or group of programs can protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time. The most critical key is the computer part between the chair and the keyboard.

    Cheers,
    MM
    Hi there

    Whatever system you do (or do not) install ALWAYS have GOOD QUALITY CLEAN BACKUPS that you can recover from via a bootable USB for example.

    A bit of "Sensible Brain Usage" too is a cost free "feature" which will pay handsome dividends both in time and money too.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


 

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