Microsoft Security Essentials (free antivirus software) 1.0
Works for:
Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 or Windows 7
Requires
Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 or Windows 7
Size of download
8.6MB
Name of file
mssefullinstall-x86fre-en-us-xp.exe
Author/Supplier
Microsoft
About
Microsoft Security Necessities is the long-awaited free antivirus computer application released by Microsoft. Having a PC without an antivirus program is asking for trouble, even if a computer is not connected to the net, there’s lots of ways viruses & other nasties can make it on to you system – by infected USB keys, outside drives, DVDs & CDs. While they think a free antivirus program is a great initiative from Microsoft, they cannot help feel that something like this ought to have been released over a decade ago. In addition, given the litany of security holes in existing Microsoft’s operating systems & other programs that have allowed viruses to spread in the first place, it causes some scepticism that this is the best antivirus program to make use of.
While it is better to have some protection than none, it will be in the actual world where Microsoft Security Necessities will face its final check – also keep an look out for security companies running tests using their extensive virus libraries & knowledge.
One quibble with the program is the name – it suggests a comprehensive security package – it is not. For example there is no integrated firewall. Microsoft Security Necessities is an antivirus program & there’s nice long-standing free options such an Avast Home Edition & AVG Free edition. However, Microsoft has tried to make its antivirus application as hassle-free as feasible. Initially that does appear to be the case, but only time will tell if it is as low-maintenance as the company’s hype suggests. Some things they like about the program are that you don’t must register, renew licenses, update subscriptions or go through any of the pain that companies such as Symantec make you do every year. All you need is a legitimate copy of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.
Note: They do not think it is wise to put in & run over one antivirus application on a computer (nor does Microsoft or any major antivirus developer). In the event you do choose to download Microsoft Security Necessities, think about disabling or uninstalling your other antivirus application if it is present (and make a comprehensive system backup beforehand).
This is the whole Microsoft Security Necessities installation program & it will download from Microsoft’s servers – however you will still need to update Microsoft Security Necessities for crucial signature file & program updates (this can be basically completed automatically). However in the event you choose the manual option, they were a small surprised to see that the program itself is only around 9MB to download but by hand downloading the signature/update file will take another 40+MB. You can receive a duplicate of the signature file here
Related posts:
- Microsoft Security Essentials (free antivirus software patches) 1.0
- Microsoft Security Essentials (free antivirus software) 1.0
- Microsoft Security Essentials and Microsoft Forefront Definitions update
- GetDataBack recovery software (free download)
- Microsoft mouse driver and software 7.1 (Intellimouse 7)