Microsoft Security Essentials

David · 25th July 2012, 11:10 AM

We have recently installed an (old) new machine in our house that is running Windows 7. It comes with 'Microsoft Security Essentials' built in, which includes free 'Anti Virus' protection.

I am wondering if (or not) I need to install a free AV program as well (or if what I already have is sufficient) I have previously used the free versions of Avast AV and AVG on other Windows machines. As I mostly use Ubuntu Linux myself (on a different machine) I am asking for advice.

Many Thanks

David

FredOnline · 25th July 2012, 03:05 PM

MSE should be sufficient for normal day to day use.

However, if you frequent more dubious web sites, I would recommend something stronger than MSE.

Berenburger · 25th July 2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredOnline

MSE should be sufficient for normal day to day use.

I can confirm this.

kijinbear · 25th July 2012, 05:20 PM

I've been using MSE on my Windows machine since the day Microsoft released it, and it has yet to fail me. One of the benefits of MSE compared to other AV software is that it's really lightweight. It doesn't make your computer sluggish, so it works fine even on old computers. (I just installed it on a couple of old Celerons running XP.) The UI is also very clean and simple and fits right into Windows, unlike other free AV software with their slow and ugly interfaces. Best of all, there are no ads, and there is no need to renew your subscription every year.

Windows 7 with maximum User Account Control settings, a fully updated MSE, Chrome or Firefox, and a good Flash/script blocking plugin will be nearly immune to most viruses out there. The last bit is crucial, because many viruses nowadays are delivered by Flash and JavaScript.

David · 26th July 2012, 01:32 AM

Many thanks to all. I really appreciate the super feedback I receive, here at EMD

25th July 2012, 11:10 AM	#1
David Intergalactic Postmaster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: location, location Posts: 9,246	Microsoft Security Essentials We have recently installed an (old) new machine in our house that is running Windows 7. It comes with 'Microsoft Security Essentials' built in, which includes free 'Anti Virus' protection. I am wondering if (or not) I need to install a free AV program as well (or if what I already have is sufficient) I have previously used the free versions of Avast AV and AVG on other Windows machines. As I mostly use Ubuntu Linux myself (on a different machine) I am asking for advice. Many Thanks David

25th July 2012, 03:05 PM	#2
FredOnline Cornerstone of the Community Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 698	MSE should be sufficient for normal day to day use. However, if you frequent more dubious web sites, I would recommend something stronger than MSE.

25th July 2012, 05:20 PM	#4
kijinbear Essential Contributor Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ~$ Posts: 369	I've been using MSE on my Windows machine since the day Microsoft released it, and it has yet to fail me. One of the benefits of MSE compared to other AV software is that it's really lightweight. It doesn't make your computer sluggish, so it works fine even on old computers. (I just installed it on a couple of old Celerons running XP.) The UI is also very clean and simple and fits right into Windows, unlike other free AV software with their slow and ugly interfaces. Best of all, there are no ads, and there is no need to renew your subscription every year. Windows 7 with maximum User Account Control settings, a fully updated MSE, Chrome or Firefox, and a good Flash/script blocking plugin will be nearly immune to most viruses out there. The last bit is crucial, because many viruses nowadays are delivered by Flash and JavaScript.

26th July 2012, 01:32 AM	#5
David Intergalactic Postmaster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: location, location Posts: 9,246	Many thanks to all. I really appreciate the super feedback I receive, here at EMD