Microsoft Security Essentials?

[slickdtc]

Just got a new laptop and I'm looking for a good protection, for free. My brother has Microsoft Security Essentials and he says it's awesome. Personally, I've had good luck with Avast! which is what I have currently installed. Just wanna know if anyone here has MSE and their impressions.

Just want the best. I'd prefer for it to be one thing, as I know a lot of people say Ad-Aware & Malwarebytes... but if I must for it to be the best protection it can be, I will. Also prefer for it to be relatively low key. Don't want it popping up all the time telling me a bunch of useless information. Letting me know when it's updated (like Avast! does) and when there's a threat is fine, of course. Nothing overboard basically.

[savoie2006]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

McAfee works just great for us. Has caught everything quickly, though we've only had five threats since the beginning of last year. As long as you stay away from porn sites and downloading sites, your Cpu should do fine.

[SqueakyD]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

I'm running MSE 2.0 on Windows 7. This is after having a subscription to McAfee Virus scan for several years. To compare the two, I would say that MSE has less options (which is expected for being free!) but is still a good program!

1. It's very unobrustive: The issue I had with McAfee's service is that I had a ton of false positives where an unrecognized cookie would make the program go absolutely nuts. Red text pop ups, sound warnings, the works. It would also block me from certain forums which I frequently visit that I know for sure are not malicious. Strange.

2. No ads: I also tried using AVG's Free service, and noticed that half of the UI buttons lead to a prompt which explain to you that the paid version is better. Of course it is! MSE doesn't have such ads.

3. Less options: No custodial/clean-up stuff, like registry cleaning and lost shortcut wiping... I kinda expected that, though.

4. Scan is slower?: I think the full scan in this is slower than when I used McAfee, but that could be dependant on other stuff I've dl'ed/installed since then. But I just wanted full disclosure.

So I would recommend this for most users looking for something free and easy to use. Probably not the best in getting ALL viruses/spyware out there, but YMMV depending on your surfing habits. Doesn't hurt to add other programs to get specific stuff too.

I reread all of this and now I sound like a shill for Microsoft. haha

[Steel5]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

I think MSE is the best free anti-virus software out there. The protection is solid, no ads, and very very unobtrusive (which is important to me).

[snepp]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

Nothing wrong with Avast, if you already have it installed and it's working there's little reason to change.

[slickdtc]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

Thanks for the opinions.

Maybe it's just me, but I hate McAfee and Norton. I've dealt with McAfee and I despise it (like SqueakyD said, it's overboard).

Thank you to snepp specifically, though. I have had a positive experience with Avast! on a previous machine, and decided to go ahead and use it for my new one here. Just looking to see if MSE was better or if it was mostly a moot point.

Again, thanks for your input, everyone. Appreciate it.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

I use Kaspersky Internet Security.

I buy a 3 use 1 year license every year from Amazon (retail box) for $20. And been using it for over 4 years now.

Well worth it. Shares the highest rated spot with BitDefender.

I like the scanning engine better and overall protection (extra malware protection and security network over BitDefender) with this so I just stick with it. Blocks all the ads on websites. Updates definitions all the time. Low footprint/resource, great firewall, and great game mode.

And the 2011 version is phenomenal with Windows 7.

But you cant go wrong with either one (BitDefender or Kaspersky). Get an Internet Security package with whatever you choose, not just a virus scan.

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Just shop them on Amazon, so much cheaper than the main sites.

[slickdtc]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

Yeah, I may look into shelling out some money for an internet security package and not just a virus scan. Rather prevent then fix after the fact.

Everyone's had their encounters with viruses, but mine have been minimal (I think common sense and not going to shady sites like porn & random downloads goes a long way). I don't want to spend money I don't need, but now that I'm using online banking and will have my schoolwork on this thing, I want it to be safe & protected. $20 ain't breaking the bank. I may look into that, Enigma.

[Sandman42]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

I use Security Essentials and its great. I definitely think its superior to Avast or AVG, which are all free, as Avast and AVG seem to bog the machine down more. I barely notice Security Essentials which is a good thing for virus scanners. I install it on all my clients PC's.

If you want to pay for one then Kaspersky or nod32 are your best bets. Just avoid Norton or Symantec.

FWIW if I ever run into any viruses on my clients PC's running a combination of Security Essentials, Malwarebytes, and SuperAnti Spyware hasn't failed me yet.

[Leon]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

I use Microsoft Security Essentials as well. It's free, doesn't take up much resources and has all the features anyone would need.

My mantra when it comes to protecting my PC is: COMMON SENSE. Most people don't need all these programs to protect themselves from viruses, spyware, etc. Just be smart while on the web. The only time I've ever gotten a virus is when I insert other people's USB drives into my PC. Due to this, I make sure to scan them first before opening anything.

Coincidentally, that advice works well in life too. But the other party may not appreciate it.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

MSE is a great program. I have on all my computers @ home. It does a it's job very effectively

[fishepa]

Re: Microsoft Security Essentials?

MSE is fine. I use Avast.