Microsoft Secuity Essentials

16 years ago

I started using MSE last month. I am really please with it.

I also have Malwarebytes antiMalware and run it each week just as a check on MSE. Malware has never found anything.

I do run CCleaner weekly also, as it cleans different things.

Just thought I'd let you know I think MSE is a great alternative to the other Anti Virus programs.

(I have Vista ultimate)

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Comments (10)

zep516
16 years ago
So far so good here too. Been using on windows 7.
not2bright
16 years ago
I know someone (in her early 80's) who just got a computer (ASUS laptop with Vista -- option for free upgrade to Windows 7). I assume her present set-up is Norton AV and Windows firewall, but I haven't confirmed it.

Anyway, would you Microsoft Essentials users/testers say that this would be a good alternative to what she has now ? Is it relatively low-maintenance (which she would undoubtedly prefer) ? And what basic protection software should she have in addition to it -- without overwhelming her with too much ?

Thanks !
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owbist
16 years ago
Been using Microsoft Essentials for perhaps a month. This is a fully automatic program, no manual updating, no manual running. I did make one huge error though, I assumed it included an anti virus. It does not! I found that just recently so have been exposed for a little while (ouch!)

This is on my Windows 7 computer and there is one issue I need to address for my own satisfaction. With Win 7 the computer goes into total suspended animation after a given number of minutes, nothing runs at all and for all intents and purposes the computer is off. However pressing the on button on the tower wakes it up in 3 seconds and off we go, brilliant. Except my Essentials is set to run at 2 a.m. so it does not happen.

There seems to be a need to see how long a scan lasts then adjust the time before the 'Sleep' process kicks in. Maybe Mikie will see this and comment as he has Win 7 I believe.

Currently I have just MS Essentials and Avast on here for protection and all is well
zep516
16 years ago
That's not how I understand it,

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE is an antivirus software created by Microsoft that provides protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and trojans for Windows XP Windows Vista (x86 and x64), and Windows 7 (both x86 and x64), free of charge.[3] MSE replaces Windows Live OneCare, a commercial subscription-based antivirus service and Windows Defender, which only protected users from adware and spyware.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Security_Essentials

Microsoft warns that MSE should not be installed alongside any other antimalware application. Indeed, MSE's installer disables Windows Defender completely, which makes sense as it is a sort of superset to Windows Defender.

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/09/first-look-microsoft-security-essentials-impresses.ars
owbist
16 years ago
Thanks Zep, I guess I should have dug deeper, it had always been my belief that this was an all encompassing program. However when I was checking my security settings the computer informed me I had no active anti virus installed. A speedy trip to the Avast site cured that. So I will remove Avast again and go from there. Thanks again for doing what I should have done myself at the outset.
zep516
16 years ago
No problem, here is another link for additional information on Microsoft Secuity Essentials

Here is a link that might be useful: securitygarden
not2bright
16 years ago
Though I'm not the OP, I appreciate the answers to my question above. :-)

But, owbist.... have you figured out why this "fully automatic" program (which according to zep contains an av program) didn't install it with the rest of the MSE software that apparently was successfully installed on your computer ? And why wouldn't the software do something to override your Avast after you installed it?

Just curious so I know what to anticipate if/when I install it on my friend's laptop. :-)

Scott
not2bright
16 years ago
Oh,... one more quick question... Norton has the reputation for being very 'resource intensive.' Have users of the MSE found this to be the case for that software as well ? Or is it surprisingly easy on them ?
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Microsoft Security Essentials should be installed after removing other anti-virus programs.

It's known for a light load on resources. Recommended for some of the mini notepads.

It has asked me to run a scan - I have it set to run auto weekly so I guess I maybe I interrupted it with a reboot probably in my case... it missed that scan and later asked the its been a while since you have last run me question.

Pretty simple when it sees something download, theres no mistaking wondering if this is a fake web virus page trying to trick or fake pop-up. I know its MSE telling me.

Works,, no hassles at all for me.
big_al_41
16 years ago
I have been running MSE for about 3 months since it was in a Beta format... this program is great for me, I have even tested it using a fake virus and it stopped it before I could even down load it... is it the very best ...don't know, all I know is that it works for me and it seems to be light on resources a big plus. Only time time will tell.

Big Al

Microsoft Secuity Essentials

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