Still Buying Anti-Virus Software?

Shortly before Windows 7 was launch in 2009, Microsoft released Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE.) MSE is a no-cost download for anyone using a Genuine License of Windows (i.e. Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7).  If you have AV software that came with your PC or that has expired, you should use MSE.  Just set-it-and-forget-it, the software protection just works.

I have it on all of my home computers. There was a time when I used to worry about when I needed to plan a purchase of new AV software.  That can become expensive the more Internet-connected computers you have in a home. With MSE, Microsoft lowered the cost of owning a Windows PCs.

This weekend, Microsoft updated MSE to version “1.0.1963.0.”  It was this update that reminded me to share again MSE with you.  MSE is one of those things I take for granted. Recently, one of my closest friends and systems engineers told me he had never heard of MSE. I was somewhat surprised since he is an IT Professional. Then again, Microsoft does not advertise MSE.

Resources:

• You can find out more and download MSE by visiting, http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
• For a third-party unbiased opinion, I encourage you to read the comments at CNET Australia’s review of Microsoft Security Essentials.
• MSE is for consumer PCs only.  If you are looking for AV software for your school or university, you should consider Forefront Client Security.