Win7 Users Need Only Microsoft Security Essentials?

[George Tyndall]

Starting with the second edition of Windows 7 All-In-One For Dummies, I’ve stopped recommending any third-party antivirus software. Why? Because Microsoft makes a first-rate AV product that’s absolutely free for anyone with a genuine copy of Windows. It’s also free for organizations of 10 or fewer people.

Microsoft Security Essentials (download page) goes in easily, runs quietly, needs no tending, and catches as many infectious programs as any of the big-name antivirus products.

Source: http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/dont-pay-for-software-you-dont-need-part-1/

Comments please!

[Gerlinde]

I have been using it on both my XP and Win7 machines. I love it. Had never any problems. My son and daughter are using it too on their computers. What I like most about it ( besides being free ) is the fact, that it does not interfere with program installations. I never have to disable the virus protection in order to install anything.

[Chuck Engels]

I have been using Security Essentials along with ESET Nod 32 on most of my computers.
Security Essentials and AVAST on the others, works really well. Still keep SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes around just in case

[Chris B]

I've got Security Essentials on the 4 PCs in this house. Seems fine. Using OpenDNS and a non Microsoft browser/email client and not had a problem.

As people have said above - just sits there and works. I don't notice a performance degradation.

[Ken Jarstad]

Use only MSE on my PC and wife's PC for ~ 2 years now and NO problems. I also scan occasionally with MalwareBytes Antimalware scanner when I get suspicious of some bad behavior.

[Ron Hunter]

Wow, this is great information. I have a Win'7 PC and didn't know MSE was that good. Guess I won't renew Norton next year!

[Bob]

I wouldn't go that far, Ron. Security Essentials is a good basic antivirus program, but it's not a complete antimalware solution. It doesn't provide a firewall, it doesn't scan email, or have antispam features, and it's primarilly a signature based scanner. It has no code to effectively detect and prevent infection using heuristic behavior. Unless you also install other products to cover the missing components, you're better off sticking with the commercial product.

[Dave McElderry]

I personally prefer the all-in-one solution of NIS because anytime you start mixing and matching anti-malware products you run the risk that they won't play well together and cause odd problems. We seem to have this discussion periodically, but overall I still think that NIS is hard to beat for being full-featured, user friendly, and doing the job well. I've been purchasing the 1 User/3PC version regularly in the past year for about $28 - $35, and the 1 User/1 PC version for about $22 - $25. A bargain in my eyes.

[Bobby]

I concur with Bob. NIS is the only thing I use, and well worth the money.

[George Tyndall]

I concur with Bob. NIS is the only thing I use, and well worth the money.

Finally!

I for one have been wondering where you were and why you had not chimed in.

Nice to know that you are still around, sir.

for chiming in



P.S. I took your and Bob's previous criticisms to heart and downloaded the NIS 3 for 1 price package to my machines.

My most favorite feature is its ability to log me in to dozens of different sites with dozens of different encrypted passwords.