microsoft_security_essentials_iconI write a lot about Antivirus solutions and I’m a big fan of free alternatives to the big name expensive products. My favorite free products being discussed here (Top free antivirus picks) so be sure to read up on them. Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of positive response on Microsoft’s Security Essentials so I thought I’d look into it a little further and let you know what’s going on. It appears to me that Microsoft is positioning themselves in such a way that they are about to become a major player in the Antivirus industry, looks like they want to give Norton some competition. I’ve always chuckled over Norton’s claim to fame that they are the biggest selling antivirus solution in the world, it should come as no surprise that this is only a result of successful marketing and not because they have the best product. After all, doesn’t it seem that half the computers in the world that a purchased out of a box come pre-loaded with a free trial of Norton?

Amazing Reviews

MSE was released on September 29, 2009 and since then has received amazing reviews. I for one am all too aware of Microsoft’s notorious security problems which have haunted the company for years on their various operating platforms, but with Windows 7 and the release of Microsoft Security Eseentials it seems pretty apparent that Microsoft has turned a corner. The fact that they have determined to release MSE as a free solution for home users is what is definitely going to make it a major competitor in the antivirus industry. At this point in time there are very few solid free antivirus solutions, in fact off the top of my head I can count all the ones I would trust on one hand.

Quick Facts

  • Free for home users
  • Runs on Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows 7 including Windows XP mode on both x86 and x64 PCs.
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Easy on system resources (does not slow down your system significantly)
  • Simple and easy to use interface
  • Full anti-malware solution (protection against viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits etc…)
  • VB 100 certification (pretty important accolade)

Microsoft is capitalizing on their large customer base and inside knowledge of their consumers knowing that a large majority of home users are unwilling or unable to pay for antivirus solutions, by offering a free product they continue to establish their name as a global leader in technology. With the success of Windows 7 and the amazing improvements they made in terms of security with 7 people are soon to turn to trust in Microsoft for security solutions. Microsoft offers opportunities to OEMs and System Builders who can pre-install Microsoft Security Essentials on their consumer-bound PCs to provide quality malware protection to their customers out of the box and at no cost.

Read the MSE Press release.
So there you have it, I predict MSE could become a key player in the antivirus industry, if they’re not already. What do you think? Would you give MSE a try, or perhaps you’ve tried it already, leave a comment with your thoughts, I’ll be sure to reply!

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