What?
We’re gonna take a look at Microsoft’s latest anti-virus software, called Microsoft Security Essentials.
Why?
Some wise soul at Microsoft probably got a prick to his conscience about how much money Windows users are spending on the mistakes the guys at Redmond are making. And their last solution, OneCare didn’t exactly take off. This time however, Microsoft seems to have gotten it right.
Really?
Microsoft finally seems to be taking notes from competitors and customers. The software seems very simple to use and even the ‘Advanced’ section is easily understandable. SE features a bright and clean interface. And it does its job without a lot of fuss at that.
To test this, I headed off to the heavily infested PC’s in my college lab. Insert a thumb drive for like 60 seconds and a barrage of virii will step right in. Take heavily infested thumb drive and plug it back into the test bed. Real time protection kicks in, insists on initiating a scan and does its job silently. Life is so good when form meets function, no?
Of course, by no means do I say this is a comprehensive test, but it sure was a real world test for Security Essentials. The guys who are serious about security report that SE had a pretty decent rate of catching worms and virii.
Tell Me More
I found the system usage to be sitting at a very usable 40-50% during a full system scan. Virus catching ability was good enough for a free product. This sure is going to give the folks who peddle anti-viral software to home users some sleepless nights. And yes, you do need to have a genuine copy of Windows to use this software.
So, you’re saying this thing is perfect?
Not entirely though. I wish the scans and updates would be faster. But yeah, thats about all anyone can nit pick.
Alrighty then, link me
Download Microsoft Security Essentials
A word of caution
Keep your eyes open when using your computer and update regularly. Anti-viral softwares can help only the wise, not the fools.
