Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus software is now live and free

[Lazybones]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/microsoft-security-essentials-anti-virus-software-is-now-live-an/

Good nag free basic antivirus at last?

It is based off of the same scan engine as Microsfot Forefront which scores very well.

AVG, Avast, Antivir are all good options but have various quarks I don't like.. I think I am going to have to try this out.


Site / download link
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

[Thorin]

License Agreement: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/eula.aspx
(surprisingly short for a Microsoft EULA)

1. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.

    * Use. You may install and use any number of copies of the software on your devices in your household for use by people who reside there or for use in your home-based small business.

Interesting that it's allowed for home-based businesses now.  That's the grey market between home and work use...

[Lazybones]

I have started running this at home and I must stay it really is just a lighter friendlier forefront client. All of the reviews I have seen have been very positive and Microsoft's scanning engine ranks very high in detection tests I have seen.

Microsoft has also stated that a key goal for security essentials is low maintenance. I guess we will find out when the next major release comes out if it is just an easy update or if the current product stops working.

Even AVG and Avast tend to time out and need to be renewed, or other products like antivir nag you.


http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

[Melbosa]

I've been using it too to very positive results.  I haven't had it find anything yet though, so we will see when the first time that happens.

[Thorin]

So any further impressions on Microsoft Security Essentials?  I have yet to install it at home.

[Melbosa]

I love it. It has so far found malware (spyware/viruses) when AVG and McAfee has missed it (I filter my downloads through 3 computers before installing it, and each runs a different Virus Scanner).  So far it has found malware 75% more than the others - while scanning the same file.