Windows users have often complained about the lack of a proper security bundled with operating system. They are often caught up in dilemma when it comes to choosing an antivirus applications. Some of them are either too memory hogging or some lack punch. Microsoft earlier came up with a solution called ‘OneCare’ , which in spite of coming from the software giants was no match to the leaders like Norton, Kaspersky… etc. It was just not enough. A little complex for naive home users and too simple for advanced ones. Moreover the detection rate took an year or so to catch up to a standard.
Yet again Microsoft has ventured into this territory and finally come out with something which definitely will scare the reigning giants. Microsoft Security Essentials, codenamed ‘Morro’, is to be a free security which for every genuine user of Windows operating system. Beta distribution of the software has come to an end and Microsoft has announced that it is going to release its security essentials in coming weeks. After the news of its release I decided to take a quick peek of what its going to be in future. I didn’t test it for viruses but concentrated mostly on the usability and interface of the software. For the virus test I referred to one the test conducted by AV-Test GmbH which highly rated this product. It stood against 3200 different viruses, malwares, Trojans, worms … etc with ease.
The interface is extremely simple and meant for any user, even the first-timers. A few clicks and you get this beauty running. It updates itself automatically after install. The installer itself is just above 4mb but the problem is it download another 40mb to update itself before completely starts up. Once done it performs a quick scan of the system for the issues. Though its not very customizable. The users who like to tweak with their system and the advance ones might just stick to their choices rather than switching over.
Primarily built on core of ‘OneCare’ and can be said to be its stripped down, it the best when it comes to ease of usability. It has some simple options that one can customize. Unlike the complex interface of Norton Internet Security Suite or Kaspersky Internet Security Suite or any for that matter, it has a very less options to choose and very little knowledge required to use it. So all you need is internet connection and you are protected. Your don’t have to worry much about the regular pop ups and notifications. When this application is in effect you wont even know it is there.
There are some features that require a bit of know-how but surely this application serves for what it has been built for, security with ease.
There are a few lacks though. Windows firewall although is integrated with window and one might argue that it not required, but certainly it would have been a bonus if a well functioning and a bit more customizable firewall would have been attached to this application. Another issue some might find is that its not for professional purpose. It has been designed for basic home users with limited knowledge.
Though it has a few but ignorable issues the biggest advantage it has over any other product is it being free. All you have to do is to buy a genuine Microsoft Operating System and you are protected from all the threats. This to be released security product is definitely going to change the way its going to be in future.Until now it has passed through most of the test we put it to, still the true test is the real world. But at this point we can say that Microsoft Security Essentials definitely has made its ground.
No more downloads are available from Microsoft, but you can download the product from other sources such as Softpedia.
Virus definition is also available as bulk download. click