Microsoft Security Essentials
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7

Gulp! We're about to say good things about Microsoft Security Essentials. But before we do, we want to make something crystal clear: If you're currently happy with Avast or another antivirus - don't switch just because of what we're about to say. OK? This article was written for those of you who are not happy with your current antivirus protection - either because it's too expensive, too complicated, or it doesn't work right.

And one other small caveat: Microsoft Security Essentials antispyware element isn't very good. In fact, it's one of the worst antispyware programs we've seen.

Now on to the good stuff.

Microsoft Security Essentials contains two components - an antivirus and antispyware/antimalware. In a sense it's a "mini-suite" and we don't like suites and so forth. But the antivirus part of Microsoft Security Essentials (hereinafter called MSE because Microsoft Security Essentials is a finger full to type) is better than average. In fact, it's very good. Gulp (again)! Yes, Microsoft has done something right. As amazing as that seems, it's true.

OK so MSE's antispyware component is severely lacking - and in need of being retired to the graveyard of antispyware programs. So you can't depend on it to protect your computer - you're going to need a strong, aggressive antispyware program like Spyware Doctor or SuperAntiSpyware to protect your system from malware and spyware. If you're currently using Avast, you'd have to have one or two good antispyware programs anyway, since Avast antivirus program doesn't have any antispyware components.

We like MSE because its antivirus scanning and threat detection is excellent - and independent lab tests show MSE's antivirus protection is as good as some of the names you are familiar with - Norton, McAfee, Avast, Trend Micro, etc.

We both use and like Avast. But we can see how its interface can be a little daunting for beginners, perhaps a little more complicated than it needs to be. Norton and McAfee are famous for offering users confusing settings options.

Well, with MSE, you don't have a lot of options - but you have the options you need, just the essentials, as the name Microsoft Security Essentials implies. Unlike most Microsoft products, MSE offers an uncluttered interface in program that is streamlined and not bloated with features and options most users don't need or want.

We've trusted one of our Windows 7 computers to MSE (plus SuperAntiSpyware) for four months now, so we're very confident that MSE is providing excellent protection - with a minimum of fuss. No unnecessary warnings, a simple interface, and a very low false-positive rate, make MSE a good choice if you're looking for free antivirus protection - or if you're looking to change antivirus programs. Just remember: Download MSE first but don't install it, then uninstall your current antivirus application and immediately install MSE. And then, install a good antispyware like SuperAntiSpyware or PC Tool's Spyware Doctor. While MSE provides excellent antivirus protection, its antispyware component is lacking.

With its simple, easy-to-understand, interface and it's excellent antivirus protection, MSE makes a good choice for your computer if you're unhappy with your current protection.

The simple interface of MSE (above) makes it easy to understand and use, even for beginners.

Those of you interested can get more information and/or download Microsoft Security Essentials (free) from the Microsoft Security Essentials Web site.