[Blind-Computing] ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAMS, A RECOMMENDATION

[JOHN JUSTICE]

I believe someone may have already mentioned this particular program but 
just in case, I have been road testing Microsoft Security Essentials and I 
find it quite navigable as well as quite effective in blocking undesirable 
programs.  There are some on this list who will automatically discount any 
program if it was produced by Microsoft.  Although opinions are like 
mothers:  Everyone had one at one time or another, I believe it to be 
counterproductive  to ignore or discount anything produced by the world's 
largest software manufacturer just because it was made by them.  That's like 
saying all cookies made by Nabisco are terrible because you don't like their 
Oreos.  I'll agree that Microsoft has come up with some seriously bad ideas 
in their day but in every case that I'm aware of, they have worked hard to 
resolve their mistakes and are still doing so.  I have no reason for 
recommending Microsoft's Security Essentials other than the fact that it was 
based on Windows Live One Care, a truly excellent suite of protection tools. 
Unlike many other anti-virus programs, there is no part of Security 
Essentials that isn't accessible to screen readers.  It's straight forward 
and does exactly what it says it will do without hogging RAM or making a 
general nuisance of itself.  The program is quite capable of customization 
and doesn't use up an unusual amount of static memory. Now, you may need a 
little help in getting it downloaded for the first time since the web site 
has an image based link which Jaws cannot read.  I haven't tried it with any 
alternative screen reader yet.  Some of the Open Code ones might have better 
luck at finding that link.  But once you have the program, installing it is 
quite easy.  Like most good anti-virus programs, the first thing it does is 
scan your computer and update itself with the most current definitions. 
It's relatively new as far as protection suites go, but it is using 
definitions which have been developed by Live One Care and Defender.  Those 
programs have been in existence for much longer.  At this time, Microsoft is 
offering Security Essentials free of charge.  I'm sure that it won't stay 
that way for long, though.
So, from the standpoint of ease of operation, variety of features and 
ability to navigate, I can recommend Microsoft Security Essentials as a good 
choice for visually impaired computer users.

John Justice
PERSONAL E-MAIL:  john_just...@verizon.net 


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