Looking for Free Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection? Try Microsoft Security Essentials

ms-security-essentials-scanningsmallrightWindows only:  Microsoft has just released the public version of their free virus, spyware, and malware protection suite dubbed Microsoft Security Essentials (the successor to their lesser-known Live OneCare product which offered similar features).  Security Essentials is a quick download and simple installation, giving users clear and easy-to-use indications whether your PC is secure or not.

Installing Security Essentials took approximately 60 seconds (not including updating the virus definition files) and my first Quick scan was completed in about 5 minutes.  The Full Scan took significantly more time, but this will be dependent on your processor speed and the size of your hard drive.  The software itself used around 60 MB of RAM while performing a virus scan, which is fairly light compared to other commercial anti-virus products.

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Security Essentials offers a simple interface, allowing users to select Quick scan, Full scan, or use custom settings from the Home screen.  Updating the software can be easily done in the Update tab, and the software also utilizes your system’s Windows Update service to stay up-to-date.

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Since Security Essentials only offers virus, spyware, and malware protection, this software isn’t intended to compete with full-fledged commercial security suites.  Security Essentials provides good basic protection for normal use and is a great contender in the free protection market.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download for Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (but you will have to validate your copy of Windows before installation).  [Download]


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11 responses to “Looking for Free Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection? Try Microsoft Security Essentials”

  1. Evan Wondrasek Avatar

    Great idea David, I look forward to seeing your results!

  2. Evan Wondrasek Avatar

    Great idea David, I look forward to seeing your results!

  3. […] sure you have an anti-virus program installed and keep it updated.  Microsoft Security Essentials is free and provides good […]

  4. […] preventing a virus infection is to have up-to-date virus software.  A free anti-virus solution is Microsoft Security Essentials.  Above all, smart internet browsing will be the best way to avoid […]

  5. […] few months ago, Evan wrote a great article about Microsoft’s free anti-malware application, Microsoft Security Essentials. After using Microsoft Security Essentials for several months, I’ve been able to get a good […]

  6. […] legitimate antivirus software installed and updated (Microsoft Security Essentials, avast!, Avira, and AVG are all good antivirus products that can be downloaded and used free of […]

  7. abubakar babayola Avatar
    abubakar babayola

    I am Happy to know that you give this free to the pubic. It is another way of saying the product will market itself when people realise the stuff in it.

  8. abubakar babayola Avatar
    abubakar babayola

    I am Happy to know that you give this free to the pubic. It is another way of saying the product will market itself when people realise the stuff in it.

  9. Adolphus Avatar
    Adolphus

    How do I validate a copy of Window? When I 'm downloading Microsoft essential virus it will get to a certain spot than spot a remove the items that was installed. I don't know what the problems.

  10. Adolphus Avatar
    Adolphus

    How do I validate a copy of Window? When I 'm downloading Microsoft essential virus it will get to a certain spot than spot a remove the items that was installed. I don't know what the problems.

  11. […] and run Microsoft Security Essentials.  This is free security software from Microsoft and will scan your computer for malicious […]

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