Microsoft Security Essentials
Written by Timothy Stewart
Microsoft is getting ready to release a beta of their latest in security applications. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) has been working under the codename "Morro" and is almost ready for it's public appearance. It's a FREE real-time antimalware solution for home users to protect them against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and trojans.
Rumor has it that it is going to be released to the public on June 23, 2009. It will be released on their new Microsoft Security Essentials website located here: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials I recently got a hold of a copy and installed it on my Windows 7 Netbook and it runs really good. I do not see it impacting the operating system much at all. It has a small footprint and consumes very little resources.
It is a pretty basic security suite, but combined with Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8's built-in security, it makes a pretty powerful combination. Most of the features were pulled from Microsoft's OneCare security suite and most of the looks can be attributed to the Windows Defender interface.
I have been using AVG Free for a couple of years now and it has worked really well. It too boasts the same features that the suite has except for a few extras. I am going to give MSE a try and see how I like it.
Here are some screenshots of the install process and the application itself:
Installing Microsoft Security Essentials:
The GUI:
The Icons:
