Microsoft Security Essentials

I have been reading positive reviews of this anitvirus/anti spyware program.

Does anyone here have anything to add?

How does it compare to Avast free edition?

I did read the review on NBR, but that was for the beta version.

 

Been using for a month or so. Replaced Avira free version - like it better, (no pop-ups - which I know can be disabled, updates easily etc), found a virus on one of my USB sticks that Avira missed.
So far I'm sold on it.

 

Same here. That's why I switched from Avira Antivir Personal 9(which is even stronger than Avast! Home Edition) to Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE).
MSE have higher detection rate than Avast! Home Edition. Moreover, it has lighter resources than Avast! Home Edition which will not slow down your System at all. In addition, it's User Interface(UI) is better than Avast!'s.

 

Has anyone experienced any CPU problems with MSE. Its beeting eating up a lotta CPU lately. Esp, when opening folders containing large-size files or a folder having a lotta files. Will have to investigate this further.

 

Do you mean when opening the folder, it takes longer time to load?
But I don't think this is a problem. LOL. But hogging CPU, I didn't notice.

 

No issues - just checked a couple of my files, one is 6+GB, another around 3GB with 2,600+ files with 450+ folders - loads/opens instantly.

 

I prefer it over Avira Premium Edition (I was 6 months into a free 12 month subscription when I switched).

MSE is surprisingly effective, scores well in detection rates, very low performance hit, and is configurable with sensible defaults that don't annoy you, even the scheduled scan can be set to be delayed if you are using the computer at the time.

As it's free, I have no problem recommending MSE to all Windows users.

 

Thanks guys. Seems like a no brainer to switch over.

 

Yes. Opening a folder takes sometime. CPU jumps to 50%. Still investigating. I have MSE on 2 notebooks at home. Both have the same problem.

 

I like it a lot but the scan time is noticeably slower than NOD32. That is the only negative for me.

 

I run Avira on my desktop where I do most of my download/browsing and MSE on my notebook which is mainly for schoolwork.

Never had any issues in terms of viruses because I know what I'm doing online and use FF + NoScript + AdBlockPlus.

 

Have you noticed any network activity at this time? I have been reading up on MSE and there is a new service that will check online against what is on your PC to ensure it is checking for the latest threats. This is the Dynamic Signature Service so you could try disabling this and see if you still experience this behaviour - I haven't installed it yet but it seems like something worth investigating.

 

No. No network activity when i open the huge folders. I should also mention that this happens only once, after i open the folder after a system restart. Opening huge folders for the first time after a system restart, seems to coz the CPU to jump to 50%.

 

that's why I always say NOD32 FTW

You never even feel you have an AV installed yet remain 99.99% secure

 

I installed MSE based on the recommendation of a member here. I really like it a lot. I uninstalled Avira, I hate the pop-up and the Avira updates are hit and miss for me.

I like how it did away with several processes. I'm down to 33 processes at the desktop. Does MSE do auto updates? I've been looking and haven't found it yet. Anyway count me as very pleased with MSE.

 

Yeah, MSE auto updates through the Windows Update protocol so as long as you have your Windows Update set on recommended settings, it'll update.

 

Meh, MS made it impossible for me to use this program. Updates through windows update (i keep mine at manual which means i have to press install every day!) and also if im not mistaken you have to submit all the virus information either you want it or not...

 

I think that's why it might be more effective then others.

 

Yea sending info is helpful since its easier for them to keep their database more updated, but on the other hand, i hate sending info (regardless of what type of info it is) to companies

 

True.
From the MSE Help and How-to page:

" When you installed Microsoft Security Essentials, you agreed to join Microsoft SpyNet using a basic membership.
..."

From the MSE Privacy Policy page:

" Microsoft Security Essentials includes Microsoft SpyNet, Microsoft’s free online community, dedicated to reporting and stopping malware. As a “basic” member of SpyNet, Microsoft Security Essentials will automatically send information to Microsoft to help Microsoft determine which software to investigate for potential threats and to help improve Microsoft Security Essentials' effectiveness. The type of information that is sent in reports depends on your level of membership (see below). Information that identifies you personally (personally identification information or PII) is generally not included in the information sent.
..."

" You can join Microsoft SpyNet with a basic or an advanced membership. If you choose the recommended settings during Microsoft Security Essentials setup, you join with a basic membership. Basic member reports contain the information described above. Advanced member reports are more comprehensive and might occasionally contain personal information from, for example, file paths and partial memory dumps.
..."

" Microsoft SpyNet reports include information about the files or programs in question, such as file names, cryptographic hash, vendor, size, and date stamps. In addition, Microsoft SpyNet might collect full URLs to indicate the origin of the file, which might occasionally contain personal information such as search terms or data entered in forms.
..."

 

MSE is good, but the so basic and lame UI (click thrice to do an update), tie up with Windows Update (manual setting doesn't do auto update) made me to choose Avira free edition over MSE.

 

It's strange for you. I got Windows Update - Manual Setting. While MSSE still update itself. If i set Windows Update to Disable, then, it can't update already.

 

MSE causes my computer to always say "windows explorer has stopped working"

 

MSE has worked like a dream for me with Windows 7 x64, and this is on an older iMac...

 

update (and this applies to win7 users)

the right-clicky problem is NOT pertinent to MSE, but i think should be brought up anyway.

1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type reg delete HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SQMClient\Windows\DisabledSessions /va /f and press enter.
3. That’s it, no further action is necessary

doing this will obliterate the sqm -client, which is known in some instances of windows 7 of causing windows explorer to stop working. (Thanks to PNB / Sager support for notifying me)

Jason