Yes, Security Essentials is a very good program in my opinion. Fully automatic so no looking for updates manually plus it protects against virus and other malware. Does a scan once a week without being prompted to do so. I have been using it since it was first introduced and am very happy with it.

If you use it then get rid of Avast as only one anti virus program should be running at any time.

I use MSE on my Windows 7 laptop, while still using Avast on the desktop XP. I am completely satisfied with Security Essentials.

if that laptop had any version of Norton on it you definitely need to fully remove it prior to installing any other antivirus program, Norton has a removal tool that you need to get and use and you can also use app remove to finalize the removal

Antivirus Product Removal Tools

free AppRemover utility

for all the security programs and goodies you will need you can go to this site to find all in one spot and they make sure you do not get any of those nasty extras like toolbars.
I recommend malwarebytes, superantispyware, and adding WOT to your browser for safer browsing.

Here is a link that might be useful: ninite

since you said you don't know anything about it then I would run a belarc to get all the info about the pc and a SIW, plus you will want to run a secunia scan to see what needs updating on it and do those asap.
Belarc Advisor

SIW

those are good to print so that you have all the info handy should you need it.

Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)

I forgot to mention adding spywareblaster to your security list, just install, update then once a week open it hit update then click the enable all protection so the shield turns green.
SpywareBlaster
be sure you get the free version when you go to the download link just continue with the one you started with do not move to the trial of the pay version.

I like it also, wouldn't go back to any of the others I have tried.

thank you all for the help and links. Now I can whip this laptop into shape.

I use Microsoft Essentials for my laptop and two desktops....it works for me.

Since ravencajun mention Norton above: My aunt just received her new HP laptop (Windows 7 premium) and it has "norton internet security" on it. I'd like to remove it before the first internet use of this laptop. I did start up the laptop and have it go through its set-up process, but I have NOT been online yet and I did NOT allow Norton to start up yet.

Can I uninstall it before having it activated w/o issues ? (I'm planning on using my own computer to download MSE, transfer it to CD and then install it on my aunt's laptop.)

not2bright,

If as you say Norton is not running,there should be no issue uninstalling it. If an issue were to occur you can always run the tool then. I wouldn't expect one. Actually the newer versions of Norton are less problematic then those older ones were. Go ahead and remove it through the programs and features list.

I don't know if it was the right thing to do, but I have always removed it from the control panel as soon I set up a new PC, before it is activated. I haven't had any problem with doing it that way.

Thanks, zep. I went ahead (using the Norton Removal Tool) and had no problem. :-)

I have found that they are set up on many new units by default with Norton set to run with out doing a thing to it, that of course is to protect the new owner as soon as the pc is turned on. That is exactly how it was on my husbands laptop. I definitely used the removal tool and would still run app remover to make sure it is all gone. It so infiltrates the registry with bits and pieces you may never know it is still there till it some day causes a conflict.