Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) AV

Please read through the following link which advises against using the free Microsoft Security Essentials AV software when you setup Windows.

You should definitely use AV software if you intend to run Windows from a Boot Camp dual boot or using virtual software (VMWare, Parallels, VirtualBox). At one time I recommeded using the free MSE, however, I can no longer recommend it.

LINK

Thanks for sharing!

Opinion on ClamXAV for Windows please Charlie?

I don't know enough about ClamXav for Windows Harry. But if it's anything like the version for OS X, I couldn't recommend it because it's not automatic. When running Windows, (any version) you need strong automatic scanning protection. As far as I'm aware, ClamXav scanning is manual. Again, I don't know if that's the case for the Windows version.

Good to know for those us, like the author, that have been recommending MSE for several years.

I've got it running on my Windows XP installation. Don't remember if I have it on for the Windows 8 setup. Is it me or does that explanation from Microsoft rival some of the most bizarre doublespeak to come out of government?

Still won't change on my personal Windows rig.

No mail on it and don't do any misc web browsing on it either.

I am thinking the same thing. At the moment both my Windows installs are there basically to get into a work-related site and once in a while to help my brother if he has a problem. Everything else is done from either my Mac or the iPad.

OH yeah! I'm using AVAST as well for my W7 desktop. way to go Avast. really is the best, even the free version

Any other opinions on Avast or suggestions for free background-running Windows A/V?
My parents have a Win7 laptop (3 yrs old) and my dad plays games and checks email on Yahoo! and is a little naive and sometimes clicks on links in emails without knowing what it's all about. They have Norton but it slows down the machine too much.

Switched to the free edition of BitDefender. Any comments?


http://www.bitdefender.com.au/solutions/free.html

I don't have any experience with BitDefender Harry. However, there are other free AV packages for Windows that work well. AVG is one, Avira is another, and Comodo another.

BitDefender typically gets pretty good reviews, like Charlie, never tried it myself.

harryb2448 said:

Switched to the free edition of BitDefender. Any comments?
Free Antivirus Software - Download Bitdefender Free Edition

Click to expand...

Is it resource-intensive?

All Windows AV software uses resources. Some are less intrusive than others. Microsoft MSE probably uses the least amount of resources and is the least intrusive, however, it's also the least effective.

My advice is to check out and test run the free versions such as BitDefender and then keep an eye on the resources. Generally though, Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 handle memory and resources much better than previous versions of Windows. Windows XP for example is very ineffective at handling both.

Does not seem to be resource intensive at all. This is on Windows 7 and it is always lighter than XP.