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A simple and easy to use anti-virus program created by Microsoft

A simple and easy to use anti-virus program created by Microsoft

Vote: (560 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Microsoft

Version: 4.4.304.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(560 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Microsoft

4.4.304.0

Works under:

Windows

Microsoft Security Essentials provides robust protection for both residential and business computers against spyware, phishing, malware, and hacking attempts.

For any Microsoft product, Security Essentials is completely free to download. It is consistently kept up to date by the Microsoft team for all valid Windows products.

The user friendly, simple interface uses intuitive red, green, and yellow colors to indicate the current security of your personal computer. The anti-viral software will alert you the moment it detects you've clicked on a risky link, download file, or advertisement.

During regular use, the software continuously runs in the background to scan for security threats. It's a real time software that doesn't cause excessive system lags or interruptions.

When your computer is idle, Security Essentials will run deeper scans of your system's directory tree in order to root out any malicious processes.

Microsoft Security Essentials is available for any Windows Vista or 7.0 computer. Additionally, your system should have a processing speed of 1.0 GHz in order to adequately run the software. One gigabyte of RAM must be available for successful installation.

Unlike other anti-viral software, Security Essentials only requires 200 megabytes of hard disk space, which is more than half that of competitor products. It's the ideal solution for systems that are lacking on disk space.

Before installation, it's recommended that you first uninstall any anti-virus software currently on your system. Previous anti-viral software may conflict with the software.

Pros

  • Seamlessly integrates with Windows Explorer and Windows Firewall
  • Easy to use and navigate
  • Doesn’t slow down computer

Cons

  • Not suitable for more advanced computer users or professional networks
  • Only works for Windows 7 and older operating systems

Microsoft Security Essentials delivers powerful antivirus solutions for Windows 7 and Windows Vista without the complexity, cost and technical jargon found in other PC antivirus software.

Whether you use the Internet for personal or business use, operating your digital life without the security of antivirus software is like playing a deadly round of Russian roulette. While you may think your emails and frequently visited websites are safe, security threats are lurking just around the corner.

As malicious attacks and hackers adopt advanced techniques, all it takes is a single click on the wrong link to have your entire digital life infection with spyware, malware and ransomware.

Avoiding infection from one of the countless threats requires understanding how to safely engage with the digital realm. However, sometimes this isn’t enough to thwart advanced hacking methodologies. To keep your computer safe from harm, you must use an effective antivirus software. But, as many computer owners understand, finding your best solution is easier said than done.

Microsoft Security Essentials was developed to provide Windows users a stable, easy and effective way to safeguard their computer from malicious attacks. Designed specifically for Windows 7 and Windows Vista, this native antivirus solution is ideal for casual computer users.

Powerful Features for Baseline Antivirus Protection

When identifying the best antivirus software for you, it’s imperative to understand how you use the internet. Microsoft Security Essentials was designed to provide a user-friendly interface for non-professional users. If you primarily use your computer to watch videos, email friends and family or online shop, then Microsoft Security Essentials is ideal for you. However, if you engage in more professional grade activities, you may find its capabilities lacking.

Although this program isn’t as potent as more robust antivirus solutions, this doesn’t mean it’s incapable of safeguarding your digital life. Its advanced architecture delivers deep-level file scanning without the bloat of more advanced software. Because of its native integration into the Windows operating system, it delivers complete monitoring without slowing down your computer.

The Features of Security and Effective Monitoring

Microsoft Security Essentials features a straightforward tabbed designed. Explore the status of your computer, update spyware and virus definitions and manipulate how the software seeks out threats. The biggest difference between Microsoft Security Essentials and other antivirus software is how it treats infected files. Instead of “cleaning” the file by removing the malicious code, MSE deletes the entire file from your system.

You can choose between three different scanning options, which include:

  • Quick - Ideal for fast scanning of your most important files
  • Full - Scans your entire computer for malicious code and infected files
  • Customized - Lets you choose when and how the program should scan your computer

Other features include automatic virus definition database updates and a system restore point, which allows you to restore your computer to a previously saved version. Overall, Microsoft Security Essentials is a perfect solution for casual computer users looking for an easy, yet effective, antivirus solution.

Pros

  • Seamlessly integrates with Windows Explorer and Windows Firewall
  • Easy to use and navigate
  • Doesn’t slow down computer

Cons

  • Not suitable for more advanced computer users or professional networks
  • Only works for Windows 7 and older operating systems