I won't bother with it. If Microsoft could handle basic security properly in the first place, security programs wouldn't be needed.

As I understand it, the firewall that comes with Vista is adequate, but their former attempts at firewalls were pretty poor.

Given their tendency to share code among various programs, I prefer to have something independent take care of my security.

Just wondering... Could someone clarify -- what is the relation of this security package to the upcoming Windows 7 OS ? Is it going to be a part of W7 (e.g. do they use the same firewall) ? Or are Essentials and whatever comes with W7 completely unrelated to each other ?

Live Onecare seemed a viable program for the short duration that MS released it. When it was removed from use the announcement was that Essentials would be released soon. Essentials as I understood it back then will be a combination of Live Onecare and Windows Defender.

From what I have seen Defender has a pretty good track record and comes pre-installed on all Vista machines. Strangely it has been left off the Windows 7 evaluation program, we'll see on October 22nd if it has been included with the final version. My only beef with Defender is that being fully automatic the owner tends to forget to check it is still running occasionally.

I can understand anyone who already has a computer up and running with their favourite safety programs not wanting to try this new program. Why would they if what they have works well?

I will install it on my new computer when I load Windows 7 and see what happens.

I have OneCare installed on my husbands desktop because he does absolutely no maintenance on his computer. He refuses to learn and just wants it to work when he needs it. It has done a good job backing up, defragging, and security. I rarely check his machine anymore, except when he does something to mess it up.

I have a few elderly friends who have it installed and like the ease of use. I think it has its place and would install the new MS security program on these machines. Jusy hope it runs as easily as One Care.

There is a segment of the population who don't want to deal with maintenance, updates and security. They get confused and frustrated (my husband) by constant alerts, updates and cryptic messages (my husband). They don't care if they have limited control over what goes on as long as it doesn't bother them (my husband). "A computer should operate like the TV, just turn it on and flip the channel" (my husband).

Jane

Just installed it on windows7 let you know how it is..

here is a good review on it see link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Review Microsoft Security

This should answer a lot of questions that may arise see link

Here is a link that might be useful: Security Garden

I've never found a suite which I was totally satisfied with. There always seemed to be a facet which was not adequate so I stay with the cafeteria approach. Who knows this may be the one.

DA

I hope those of you with (or soon to have) Windows 7 will let us know how you like the firewall, esp. I will be getting a new computer in the next few months (possibly one custom made by a reliable computer guy) and I'd like to know if there is any 'third party' protection in general -- firewall in particular -- that one really needs to have to replace whatever Microsoft has.

I figure, the Microsoft stuff (built-in FW, Essientials, etc.) at least should play nice with the Windows 7 OS, and as long it does, why go elsewhere?

After reading "Sunblogs" review of Microsoft Essentials (per link provided by ZP516) I can't tell whether the program is recommended or not.

RB

I think it all comes down to personal preference with Anti Virus programs try some out if they function on your computer and you like them then that is the best Anti Virus program for you..

I've used Security Essentials beta since it came out.
No frills, no fiddling. Just works. Simple and lightweight on resources. Install and forget.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

I am totally satisfied with my Vista firewall. The W7 firewall is to be the same presentation and architecture as Vista which is bi-directional and more than adequate.

DA

Just out of curiosity, have those of you who like the Microsoft stuff checked it out, e.g. seeing if the FW passes leak tests and so on ? Or is it more ease of use and lack of problems that determines your satisfaction ?

I'm only wondering because I tend to switch to something (like recently to the Online Armor FW) because of it passing some tests 'better' than alternatives. So, if the Microsoft Essentials has comparable ratings in those regards, I just may use it ! :-)

With the wealth of programs for internet security it is about the same as picking Ford, GM or Chrysler as a best vehicle. There are a number of long running anti virus and malware programs that stand up very well. Normally I tend to shy away from the new guy on the block. Note above that Jane_ny uses Live Onecare and seems very happy, I have used and worked on computers that use Windows Defender. This appears to be the best of both.

The firewall should not be an issue, it has been used on all Vista models and there have been no big write ups about it being defective.

Note too Mikie has been using this since beta and if my memory serves me he mentioned installing this back in the spring or early summer.

Like Zep I installed it on my Windows 7 computer just today so I will see what it does for me.

Maybe I missed the report, but I didn't recall anyone here catching this quote on the Sunbelt Blog regarding the release. "However, it does not have email AV functionality.....".

DA

I was just assuming that, whenever I get around to getting a computer with Windows 7 (and before I get started downloading all the freebie security stuff out there [Avira, Online Armor Firewall, etc.]), that I should simply go ahead and use the Microsoft security software and only abandon it if there's a problem along the way. I figure, MS made it all to work fairly well together (even though the Microsoft Essentials is being released freely to those who won't have Windows 7).

Anyway, thanks for the additional comments !