Thread: Review : Microsoft Security Essentials [ MSE ]

I am not an expert, This is a amateur Review only. So please take this for informational Purpose only.

Product Reviewing
Microsoft Security Essentials Version: 1.0.2498.0
Antimalware Client Version: 2.1.6805.0
Engine Version: 1.1.6402.0
Antivirus definitions: 1.95.333.0
Antispyware definitions: 1.95.333.0


Test Environment :
Win7 Ultimate 32-bit (fully patched)
Intel Pentium Dual Core 2.0 GHz
3 GB Ram and 160 GB SATA HDD.

Currently Installed Apps
Microsoft Security Essentials [MSE]
Comodo Firewall
Winpatrol
SAS and MBAM on demand.

Description
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free antivirus software available for Genuine Windows OS. Its Small in Size but packed with performance. Its real-time protection guards your PC 24*7 for Virus, Spyware and other malicious object.
Note : You Should be running Genuine Windows OS to install MSE.

Installation
MSE is small in Size the installer size is around 8 MB. just few clicks to install, It Hardly takes 20 to 30 seconds to install. While installing it will check if you are running Genuine Windows OS if not then install fails.
Download MSE

Code:

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Minimum system requirements for Microsoft Security Essentials
Operating System: Genuine Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3); Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2); Windows 7
For Windows XP, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM.
For Windows Vista and Windows 7, CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz , and 1 GB RAM.

First Snap after Install



MSE Automatically update itself. Updates were around 60 MB. Updates were bit Slow, it took around 95 mins on my 256 kbps plan.
you can even manually update it by downloading Virus definitions from below

Code:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Definitions/HowToMSE.aspx

Snap after Updating



Before Updating the GUI was RED and then it was Green.

Main features

Real time protection : Real time protection guards your PC in real time so that no unwanted application gets installed. Scan for Viruses, Spyware in real time. Scans all downloaded files and attachments from Internet. you can disable Real time protection but it is not recommended.

Scheduled Scan : you can Schedule a Scan on any day of the week, MSE will automatically start Scanning on that provided that PC is ON

Scan Archive files and Removable drives : MSE scans all Archive such as .zip or .CAB for more protection. you can even set MSE, Should it scan any removable drive if attached. more features like Creating System Restore point before cleaning any threat.



Exclude files and Processes : Exclude any file or Process from Scanning to speed up Scanning. Excluding files and process minimizes the protection.

Microsoft SpyNet : Microsoft SpyNet is an Online Community thats help you choose how to respond to potential threats. you can Choose between Basic membership and Advanced Membership. Basic members sends Basic information and while the Advanced user send basic information along with the Computer details.
No way to turn off Microsoft SpyNet

Memory Usage
Ideal memory usage : around 4 MB.



Peak memory usage : 95 MB around 45 % CPU Usage.



Scan
Quick Scan : took around 9 mins and Scanned 38810 items.
memory usage : 45 MB.



Full Scan : It was taking too long so i cancelled it.
Memory usage : 50 MB.

Detection Test
i have a sample of 100 old and new Malwares, i will Put MSE on test to detect those Malwares.
Note : this is on demand test.
MSE Successfully blocked 79 threats leaving 21 threats undetectable.



Removing Threats : No Reboot



MSE Managed to block 79 threats by making threat un-executable.
Overall Detection rate was good and Removal was quick, No reboot required.

THE GOOD
1)Small, Easy to install
2)Simple interface
3)Small update
4)Simple Understanding GREEN = SAFE and RED = UNSAFE
5)less Resource
6)Quick Detection
7)FREE

THE BAD
1)Full Scan is too slow
2)Less Configuration
3)Detection rate can be better
4)Only for Genuine Windows User

Overall Microsoft Security Essentials has done well, and its a good antivirus to have but has some drawbacks. i hope this drawbacks will be overcome in the Coming Version.
as the beta version is already released, stable version will be released soon


Thanks to Avinash and Ashwin who helped in writing this Review
and at last Sujay da for the old Malware Samples

NOTE : This is my opinion, Different users can come up with different thoughts and Reviews. Switch to that AV which is best Suited to you and your habits.

Comments are Welcomed

Thank you

Originally Posted by funskey

i have an ancient xp machine with just microsoft security essentials installed along with windows firewall and have had no issues with it so far. it all depends on the user of the machine and how to plan to use a particular machine. basic security is good enough if u know the purpose of a machines use and u stick to that use only

Hi funskey welcome to the forum
yes i agree with you Reviews only provide a brief idea about antivirus features but it depends upon the users machine and his habits in choosing a best Antivirus Software. better stick to a Antivirus which suites your needs.
and yes Enjoy your stay here