Microsoft Security Essentials - any good?

[manhunter2826]

Hi folks, I read recently that MS has released Security Essentials as a replacement for OneCare, and that it's free (any caveats?). I just wanted people's opinions on the software. Does it do a decent job; is it fairly light on resources. Also, when I googled it, on Microsoft's site I get a message saying not available for download in your country. Any ideas? (I realize it's still in Beta - I think.) Thanks as always folks. Due to the weekend, I suspect replies will come Monday week. Have a good weekend all.

 

[linney]

Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0.1407.00 Public Beta

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Microsoft-Security-Essentials.shtml

It is early days but did you see some of the favorable "Comments" at the bottom of this article?

Microsoft Security Essentials: No cost, no hassle = no value?

http://www.examiner.com/x-6530-Minn...curity-Essentials-No-cost-no-hassle--no-value

 

[linney]

Microsoft Security Essentials Beta

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/info/privacy.aspx?mkt=en-us

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

I wish I could say I made it into the first round of the beta but Microsoft cut off downloads of Microsoft Security Essentials beta software after 700,000 in the first 24 hours.

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent..._software_fight_off_entrenched_interests.html

Seems like Microsoft pulled the download off of their site after having a satisfialble number of downloads for testing feedback. The link to "Softpedia" that linney provided appears to still provide an active download if you are looking to check it out. I haven't personally tested the beta product, but have seen some positive reviews. Take a look at these articles for some insight into the effectiveness of "Microsoft Security Essentials" when put to the test.

- First Look: Microsoft Security Essentials

http://www.pcworld.com/article/167246/first_look_microsoft_security_essentials.html

- Microsoft Security Essentials: The First Test Results Are In

http://www.pcworld.com/article/1673...essentials_the_first_test_results_are_in.html

- Antivirus testing outfit: Microsoft Security Essentials makes the grade

http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti...Microsoft_Security_Essentials_makes_the_grade

Joey
CCNA, MCSA 2003, MCP, A+, Network+, Wireless#

 

[manhunter2826]

Thanks both. I am very tempted to give it a try. My only caveat is that I have Avast installed (and have had so for many years) and it does a very decent job. I also have Spybot installed and it too does an excellent job at safeguarding my PC. So, I would be forced to remove both these in order to test out MSE. That's what I always find annoying: as you cannot (or should not) have secondary anti-virus software installed; you are forced to un-install (not just disable) your previous anti-virus. Just a slight pain the neck. Anyhow, thanks both for the links; will have a read-up.

 

[linney]

If your machine has room, and you have a spare operating system CD, you can try it in a Virtual PC.

Virtual PC 2007

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&displaylang=en&tm

 

[manhunter2826]

^^Thanks Linney. Would this spare OS CD have to be completely separate/different from my original XP CD on my laptop?

 

[manhunter2826]

^^Also, would I need a separate/different XP CD key?? Thanks.

 

[linney]

Not for a thirty day trial granted on any CD before Activation is required (you must not activate it if it is used on another system). For it to become a permanent install, yes, you would require an unused operating system product key and Activation.

If you can get hold of Windows 7 Release Candidate and install that you could test using that.

If your that keen you could always remove your current anti virus, test the new one, and then put your current one back.

 

[manhunter2826]

^^Thanks as always Linney.