Microsoft Security Essentials 4.2.223 (XP) / 4.10.209.0

Overview:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a simple, free, and easy way to keep your PC free from viruses, trojans, and other potentially malicious software. With this program, you get world class real time protection and up to the minute virus definition updates. Microsoft doesn't fool around with your Internet security, they take it seriously. There's no cost to use this program, it's totally free, and you have the Microsoft company to thank for their generosity in developing it. 

Microsoft Security Essentials also allows you to schedule scans, exclude file types and processes, and more. When you see the icon is green in your lower right Windows taskbar, the program is actively protecting you. 

Installation:

Installation is fast and simple with Microsoft Security Essentials. The file you need to install it will download quickly and is only about 10 megabytes in size. 

Microsoft Security Essentials is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. There's not really any special requirements to use it, because the installation file size is so compact. And, because it's from Microsoft, you can be assured that it doesn't have any spyware/adware bundled with it. You get a totally clean installation of this award winning program. 

Interface:

The interface of the program is sleek and visually pleasing. In the main program window, you'll see 4 options. Home, Update, History, and Settings. The program itself is pretty simplistic, and due to its file size, you can't expect too much from this program. It is from Microsoft though, and that's a really good sign that the interface is simple because it's just supposed to be, and not because the program is deficient in some way. 

It will be really easy for beginners to get the hang of using Microsoft Security Essentials because the navigation is so simple and easy to understand. 

Pros:

• Small Program File Size Won't Hog Your System Resources
• Simple Program Design Is Easy For Novices
• Microsoft Security Essentials Is A Totally Freeware Program That Doesn't Cost A Dime

Cons:

• There's No Paid Version To Upgrade To With More Features

Alternatives

Spybot Search And Destroy - This lightweight program is always being updated to include the latest online threats. It's free for private use, and users can use it and know they're getting the very latest in online threat protection. This program doesn't use a lot of system resources, even when scanning. Users report being able to play the latest PC games even while the scan is running! Excellent!

AVG Anti-Virus - AVG is leading the way in the free genre of anti-virus software. Their program offering is 100% free to use and enjoy, and the program development team is always hard at work updating the program so you're protected against the latest online threats that surface. AVG is going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to your Internet safety. 

Conclusion:

Microsoft Security Essentials is being constantly updated with the latest virus definitions direct from the Microsoft virus definitions database. Although the program is small, it's very effective at keeping you safe from at least SOME of the threats out there. However, it should be noted, that because the file size is so small, you can't expect this program to perform like a fully featured security suite like Norton 360 for example. Instead, for people that need a free option, at least you have some method of protecting yourself against online threats. Plus, it's from Microsoft so you know it's going to be effective.