The definitions update only took a few minutes, which is standard for many of the competing security solutions. At the last screen, it automatically updated to the most current malware definitions. Once downloaded, I ran the downloaded installer file and was presented with a few friendly looking windows which guided me through the installation of MSE. Installing MSE was a very straightforward affair. Since there were no listed system requirements accessible from the MSE webpage, it is assumed that it will work on all systems running a modern Microsoft Operating System (Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7). There were many helpful links and even a video that shows how to download and install MSE. Upon reaching their MSE webpage, I wanted to know the system requirements but was not able to locate them. Performing a search engine query brings up the dedicated Microsoft webpage for MSE. It is advertised from their main website, as well as the other major software download venues. Obtaining MSE was easy and straightforward. Since MSE uses fewer resources, it will not slow down the computer for customers. MSE requires little resources: Many conventional security solutions are known to take up a significant amount of computing resources, which results in a slower running computer. Microsoft advertises MSE as having the following features:Ĭomplete anti-malware solution: It protects against viruses, worms, trojans, dialers, spyware, ad-ware, key loggers, malicious toolbars, and other kinds of malware.Ĭonstant live protection: Instead of having pre-defined definition updates every few days or so, MSE receives definition updates as they become available. In this article, we will discuss the advertised features of Microsoft Security Essentials (it shall be referenced as MSE for the remainder of the article) test the installation routine review the total malware coverage during a scan and verify the features advertised of MSE. It is the successor to their previous commercially available security solution – Microsoft Live OneCare which was discontinued in June 2009. Upgrading to a more powerful tool is a step necessary to take, though, sooner or later.Near the end of September of 2009, Microsoft released its free anti-malware all-in-one software solution to the public. Although Microsoft Security Essentials is not among the most powerful av products out there, it serves as a pretty good startup tool for casual users. However, it is quite slow regarding scanning speed, while software notifications cannot be disabled or controlled. MSE has a very good virus detection ratio and generally uses low CPU and RAM. Furthermore, it is possible to inspect and keep or delete quarantined files. Other scan options focus on archives, removable drives, system restore points and quarantined files. The real-time protection module can be disabled, while custom files, folders, file types, and processes can be excluded. When it comes to modifying scan settings, users may establish default actions for threat detections, depending on the alert level (low, medium, high, severe). Quick and full scan jobs can be scheduled to run on a regular basis. There are three scanning modes available: "Quick" verifies only important system areas like Program Files and the Windows directory, "Full" runs a complete checkup on the computer, while "Custom" enables users to select the exact drives and directories to look into for malware (also possible via contextual scanning). The overall look is comfortable and neatly organized, so inexperienced users shouldn't experience any issues in navigating it. Right before completing setup, the tool offers to run an initial scan to assess the PC's current security status as soon as it fetches the latest virus definitions.Īs far as the interface is concerned, MSE keeps separated the areas for scanning, virus, and spyware definition updates, history, and settings. Its only requirement is that no other antivirus applications exist on the PC since they are most likely to clash and cause Windows stability issues. In order to get updates for XP, don't forget to apply the XP registry patch. It's considered by most third-party developers and testers to be a "baseline" among av products, and Microsoft never stated the contrary. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) represents Microsoft's free anti-malware solution for computers running XP, Windows 7 or Vista.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |