Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#162494 06/13/12 02:47 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
I've been using AVG Free software as my anti-virus on my Win7/64 OS PC...
I am tempted to remove it and use Windows Defender that comes with Win7.
What is everyone using these days, and anything wrong with that Defender??

Thanks in Advance

Dick


2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Microsoft Security Essentials

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

Works great and you won't even know it's there unless you need it. Oh yea, it's free.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials, too. This is the first time I have not experienced some problem caused by a malware-checking program.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Quote:

I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials, too.




Ditto, on my DAW which is connected to the internet - but on my Web Browsing Machine it is full Zone Alarm Pro combined with MS Essentials.

Off-Topic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
No complaints yet for AVG
Recommended by Seniors not associated with AARP


Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.


Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Is MS Defender the same as MS Security Essentials? Looks like I may have to download it.. I thought it came with Windows 7.


2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Good one Matt, thank you... Clear as a bell now!


2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
Off-Topic
A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A
Quote:

Is MS Defender the same as MS Security Essentials?




No. Windows Defender is a HEINOUS program that screens EVERY BYTE that goes in and out of your computer with such scrutiny that it will deny you access to a lot of places. I dealt with it a lot at the internet provider where I worked and in about 60% of the cases, Windows updates had run, turned Defender back on, and suddenly they stopped connecting. That was DSL and the modems had a firewall built in and the combination of the 2 stopped the connection.

The media has frightened the public to such a degree that I have seen users running THREE anti virus programs. There is no chance in Hades that data can pass through THREE anti virus and firewall programs. None. One or the other will see everything as an intrusion and stop it.

Far too many people don't know the difference between spyware and virus. And honestly, this forum isn't the place to be teaching basic basics. You can get that all over the internet. I run Norton Anti Virus as my active scanner and Malwarebytes as my malware cleaning tool. I never get infections. Partly because of the tools, and partly (mainly) because I know what I am doing. Everybody with a connected computer needs to learn that "know what I am doing" part.

Remember, when you see a commercial for some kind of protection product, it's their goal to frighten you into buying a product the you can either get something similar for free or don't need because it's overkill.

#162503 06/13/12 07:15 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
I run Avast Internet Security with Malwarebytes and Spybot Search and Destroy. I don't have any problems.

I agree with everything that Eddie said, except his choice of A/V programs. I will not let Norton anywhere near any of my systems. Resource hog of the worst kind last time I used it, I've uninstalled it and uninstall it from every computer that comes with it that I touch. Avast Free works very well, also, but I have upgraded to the paid version.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Quote:

I will not let Norton anywhere near any of my systems. Resource hog of the worst kind last time I used it, I've uninstalled it and uninstall it from every computer that comes with it that I touch.




Ditto. I ran Norton for years and it got to the point that it seemed like an mini virus unto itself. I then switched to McAfee. Same problem.

MS Security Essentials is the only one I've ever used that's totally unobtrusive. I forget it's even there.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
+3 as concerns Norton. Bloatware, yes, but besides that, it has been known to stop the show for those trying to make music on their computer, for various reasons depending.


--Mac

Mac #162506 06/14/12 07:30 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,509
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,509
I ditched Norton years ago because it made my computer ruuuun ssssoooooo sssssslllllllooooooowwwwwww.

Note: I am not related to that Norton.

And Eddie said it all about the "know what I am doing" part.

The proverbial ounce of prevention comes in handy here.

Notes ♫

PS: New style disks and fake disks coming soon --- stay tuned.


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Mac #162507 06/14/12 07:34 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Quote:

+3 as concerns Norton. Bloatware, yes, but besides that, it has been known to stop the show for those trying to make music on their computer, for various reasons depending.


--Mac




+4

( Thanks for the tip on security essentials)

Mac #162508 06/14/12 07:49 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
I have used Avast AV for many years. Recently, I installed it on my new Dynavox and it slowed it to a snail's pace. I contacted Tech Support and they said to remove Avast and install M$ Security Essentials. Problem solved.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
T
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
T
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
I have Trend Micro as my real-time protection.
Use Malwarebytes to check for malware.
I have popups turned off in IE except for trusted sites
Under options and Security in IE Allow active content to run in files on My Computer set to off
And of course I keep an up to date image backup of my main drive stored off line just in case a bug gets through I can't get rid of.

Tim

Off-Topic
A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A
Hmm... Norton a resource hog.....

Were you guys using the whole suite or just the anti-virus? I use only the anti-virus rarely see the resident partion at above 2%. Of course it jumps when a scan is running. And it is not on my music computer because that computer does not stay on zee intrawebz. It has a wireless NIC but it is disabled unless I need to move files or soemthing. Then I put it online, but never when I am working.

#162511 06/14/12 04:30 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906
I’m running MS Essentials on all of our internet computers with no problems on any of them. A number of local computer stores are installing Essentials and calling it the antivirus program to use.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Thank you all, once again excellent advice. I ditched AVG and installed MS Security Essentials... easy peasy!

Dick


2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Me too. I had Norton Internet Suite...could be a bit quarky at times and I oftened wonder about resource utilization and interferance with audio apps. I usually shut Norton down (no updates, no notifications, no scans) when doing serious project work. Must admit, Essentials seems a little faster but maybe that's just me.


Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,439
Posts805,134
Members40,121
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys, Bloc
40,121 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 128
DC Ron 96
rsdean 93
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
Jan van der Linde
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5