Journal 11, Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft has released their own version of Anti-virus and spyware software called Microsoft Security Essentials. The best part is that it is free and good. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) was a beta software for just three short months. It offers real-time consumer antimalware solution for fighting viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans. It is available for Windows XP 32-bit and up. It should not be installed along with other antimalware applications. It will also disable window Defender completely so there will freeze those annoying “Your computer is at risk” notifications. The only price it has is that your computer will have to pass a Windows Genuine Advantage validation test. MSE has the simplest and easiest user interface. The goal was to make it non obtrusive unless required. The program has a green banner when everything is “ok” but if there is a virus detected that green turns to red. Of course MSE updates itself automatic so users will not have to manually update the virus database. Microsoft is cracking down on virus's because if a virus is detected on MSE on anyone's computer the information is sent to Microsoft. Hopefully there will be an update out quickly and sent to all other users so that the virus is then quarantined.

Article on MSE

Microsofts Website

I have downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials and I am a fan. I have been a long time user of AVG free edition until the beginning of November. The problem with AVG was that when you get the free version, the scan speed is much slower than the purchased edition. MSE scans very quickly and quietly. The other problem with AVG free was the fact that it would bog down my CPU and make it hot. I think that the reason Microsoft is making this free is that PC has been getting slammed on the amount of virus's compared to Apple computers. If Microsoft can produce a close to virus free PC their sales should rise and boost the users of Windows 7.