Thoughts on Microsoft Security Essentials

[Shotgun]

Before Wednesday, I ran Avira Anti-Vir and Iobit Security 360 for virus and malware protection. I downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials just to give it a shot. I have to say I'm very impressed. Extremely simple GUI, all in one protection, and a low memory footprint. Before I was running about 50-60 mb of RAM in order to support my other antimalware and antivirus. MSE runs at about 15 mb. It scans great, lets my PC start up quick and is overall great. I say give it a try!

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

[rjk83]

PRO's:
Free, competitive detection rates (90%+, even 98%+ in some tests for malware/adware/spyware), very few false positives, usually low system utilization, easy to use, great reviews for a MS product...

CON's:
Lack of configuration options, reportedly slow scanning times, no "pause" mid-scan, no firewall (Win 7 firewall can be great however).


I personally use it on a few machines at home and I like it. That being said, I am a big Microsoft advocate as of the past year or two and I think they have done a lot to focus and change their image re: security. Just like most AV software, it's not a complete solution and it's not going to detect everything when you throw a stupid user at it.

Also consider that it is a stage 1 product (if you don't consider it to be an extension from OneCare). Microsoft will likely continue to refine the product as they go and it will get even better than it is. It is in Microsoft's interest to minimize Malware/Spyware/etc.

Thats my two cents.

[enderless]

I've recommended it to all my family and set it up on several clients comp's for use. It's got a very small foot print (even more so if you turn off live scan and use it for periodic sweeps), so it's great for the p4 relics that people love to hang onto. No firewall is a down side, but you can't really complain being that it's free. My buddy uses it for his main comp for data recovery, and it's blocked conficker and several other nasty worms.

Onestop is the best recovery for windows, but MSE is great for a (free) desktop AV solution.

[Shotgun]

I also use IObit SystemCare Works GREAT! even the free version