Microsoft Unleashes Free Antivirus

Author	Gordon Kelly
Published	29th Sep 2009

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If at first you don't succeed...

Today Microsoft is back in the antivirus game with the gold launch of Security Essentials, a new completely free PC protection suite that it hopes will make users more aware of the threats not just to their PC's heath, but their financial information.

"Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software," explained the company on its new Security Essentials official site. "Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It's easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you're green, you're good. It's that simple. Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times."

Yes, the pitch is good but it lacks hard facts such as how much memory does Security Essentials eat up? How fast does it perform scans? And many more. In fact, the Security Essentials tagline: "Proven antivirus protection for free? That's what I need" couldn't be more off since Microsoft is distinctly unproven in this sector. In fact, its only previous attempt Windows OneCare crashed and burned spectacularly. Security Essentials also won't be bundled with Windows since Microsoft knows it would lead to the EC having another apoplectic fit, so it won't get a boost there.

That said, I'll roll out the competition is good argument once more since - well, it really is. Microsoft Security Essentials is available to download now from the link below. Are you tempted?

Link:
Microsoft Security Essentials

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Simon said on 30th September 2009

I put AVG on my Win7 Acer Aspire One and found my boot up time turned to a snails pace, so removed it. If this is quicker, then its good for me i say.

Gordon said on 30th September 2009

@Simon - it does seem a lot faster than AVG, but new Norton antivirus is even quicker (http://www.trustedreviews.com/software/news/2009/09/10/Norton-2010-Brings-Security-Before-Def... more

ravmania said on 30th September 2009

What to do. AVG does work fine for me. But you can never go wrong with more speed. Reason I use Chrome even though it's woefully under featured compared to the competition. Downloa... more