Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Review Discussion

Sometimes there is something called a free lunch. Here, it's known as Microsoft Security Essentials. This antivirus package promises to deliver much of what paid solutions offer, but for a price of absolutely zero. How does it compare against the rest?

Read the full content of this Article: Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Review

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Some time ago my NOD32 subscription was expiring. After seeing that MSE has managed to get VB 100% awards (VB = VirusBulletin, an independent source that tests anti virus solutions based on how effectively they detect viruses) I decided to switch over. Since then all of my (Windows) computers run MSE. I find it very fast and unobtrusive anti virus solution.

 

I put this on all my client's computers unless they are already paying for something else. Used to use AVG but I've had too many viruses get through AVG. I get called out to remove viruses less frequently now, so I'd say its working.

 

I think that when you buy a product whether its just software or an OS, it should be with security.

So, its absolutely great that microsoft finally gives a 'complete product' (they don't sell cars without locks now do they? xD),and its even better to now that its actually effective.

GJ Jefferies ;-)

 

Agree with all of the above, scan removable drives is turned off by default I believe though. (settings - advanced)

 

Thanks for the compliments. MSE continues to be a good basic security solution.

I personally run ESET Smart Security on my computers. I uninstalled it on my test computer to test MSE, and I haven't reinstalled it yet.

 

I realize that no security software is perfect, and I hate monopolies because I think competition results in better products, but at this time I rarely recommend any security software other than MSE for typical users.

I haven't found a better free antivirus software yet. Is MSE perfect, no ... but it's darn close to perfection for the majority of people thanks in no small part to the price tag (or lack thereof).

 

While I 100% agree and hate the anti-trust issues from apple and MS. But I use this on my VMs at home and work now for ease. But I still rely on Symantec corp edition for the big boy machines that do real work and run into real risks.

 

The only issue I see with MSE is it can sometimes consume considerable CPU time. There is a glitch that still hasn't been fixed yet, and is most noticeable on netbooks and notebooks with slower CPU's. Just do a search for MSMPENG.exe CPU Hog (MSE core executable).

Here's one solution though that seemed to work for me:

Microsoft Security Essentials MsMpEng.exe using high CPU Time - 1st Byte Solutions

Otherwise it is a robust and small memory footprint AV. I throw it on anyone's computer whose AV has expired and was whining about paying another $50 for AV.

 

Ah, I wondered if someone else would spot the application of MSE for VM guests.

I run linux, but use VMware WS to run an XP VM. I use it to run Windows only tools to access client machines and for some software development.

I've tried the free versions of AVG and Avast and they seem to really hammer the disk which keeps me from getting work done.

MSE it much lighter weight.

 

MSE is better than nothing, and perhaps better than the worst paid internet security suites. However, the real downside is that it's a Microsoft product and Microsoft is the root of all of the Windows malware problems to begin with. I've given Microsoft credit for making this product free, but not to much credit, because Microsoft's Live OneCare wasn't a great commercial success. In short, Microsoft wants consumers to adopt an internet security suite because of the unique vulnerability of Windows but has to give it away.

 

I wouldn't quite say that much. Microsoft has really outdone itself with this security suite. See the numbers for yourself at AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Welcome to AV-Comparatives.org

Microsoft does better than several paid anti-virus applications in these independent tests.

 

I think I said:

 

Sorry, I can't read. I'm blaming it on the prescription drugs this time...

You're right, live one care was an epic fail. I worked on someone's computer that had it installed and I almost gave up. They wouldn't let me uninstall it and I insisted it was part of the reason their computers were so slow. They also had 2 other AV's installed.

 

THANKS HTWingNut! I first installed MSE on an Asus T91MT (netbook/tablet hybrid) and wow was it unbearable. I uninstalled MSE, made AVG my best friend, and never looked back. It's reassuring to see that I wasn't imagining things...and I'm eager to give MSE a second try.

The T91MT is long-gone, but I've got the Hannspree SN12E2 to try it on!

Thanks again,

-Matt

 

^MSE also bogs down my old PC with intel celeron processor,so its a common problem.

 

I used to use AVG but switched to Avast if it is a slower system, because it seems to have the smallest footprint and best detection. With MSE for more powerful CPU's it probably would go unnoticed, which isn't good either because it's still consuming CPU cycles, just not as prominent.

 

I really like MSE and made the switch from Avast.

 

I was pleasantly surprised when my new Samsung notebook came with MSE installed from the factory, instead of the usual 3-month trial subscription to McAfee/Norton/what have you.

I like MSE a lot. It's all I use on my Windows installs now, for the aforementioned reasons. Haven't gotten an infection yet.

I also use things like custom HOSTS files, NoScript, and Flashblock in Firefox for Web activity. I haven't browsed the Web "naked" for years, and I haven't gotten any infections aside from the odd DRM malware (another topic entirely). There may be a causative relationship there.

 

Very interesting, this is the first time I've heard of it coming pre-installed. Which Samsung notebook did you get?

 

MSE while not as small as Avast, it's small enough for modern systems and doesn't bog it down. And the best part is, I don't have to go through the renewal process that I do with Avast.

I don't know why manufacturers still puts the Norton trojan viruses on the laptop. That's the first thing I take off .. or try to whenever I get a new computer.

 

NP300-V5A-A02US. I bought one in late July, then took it back and exchanged it for a Toshiba A665-S5199X because I decided I couldn't live without a USB 3.0 port. USB 3.0 is really the only thing the Series 3's are missing.

But the Toshiba had to go back too. It had a defective cooling system, right out of the box.

I replaced the Toshiba with another NP300-V5A-A02US. Why did I go back? Well, I decided I could work around the lack of USB 3.0, and there were so many other features of the Series 3 that I liked. Gigabit LAN port and a superior (for a laptop) keyboard, to name a few.

I still wanted a fast way to connect an external HDD for backup & system imaging. So I swapped out the optical drive for an eSATA port. I have a thread about it over in the "Upgrades" forum.

 

Have you used any Norton product after 2009? They are one of the best paid security software.