Microsoft Security Essentials -- how effective?

[Dave]

I've installed MSSE software on 4 Windows systems, 2 Vistas and 2 XP SP2
machines. I'm convinced it's a fine AV security program and it does as
advertised! However.....

MSSE takes control shortly after system boot-up and doesn't let go until
it's through with its daily updates and whatever else it does. Even
disabling it in MSCONFIG will not prevent it from its hold on the system.
The effect on system resources is almost tolerable in Vista but tough on
older XP systems.

Nevertheless, it's an effective AV program.

EW

snip

If you have updates set to notify you but not to download until you tell it
to, then MSE's updates won't download until you tell it to.
Dave

 

[CrackerJack]

I've installed MSSE software on 4 Windows systems, 2 Vistas and 2 XP SP2

machines. I'm convinced it's a fine AV security program and it does as
advertised! However.....

MSSE takes control shortly after system boot-up and doesn't let go until
it's through with its daily updates and whatever else it does. Even
disabling it in MSCONFIG will not prevent it from its hold on the system.
The effect on system resources is almost tolerable in Vista but tough on
older XP systems.

Nevertheless, it's an effective AV program.

EW

snip

I installed it on an older DELL Dimension 3000 with XP and it booted normal.

 

[fallsoff]

re: MSEon XP and W7 Enterprise

Hello,
I used ESET NOD32 for years. I still like it--paid or free. I used to use AVG but somehow burned out on some issue or another. With ESET, I just shut off the startup scan to speed boot and it is fine.

I began using MSE out of curiosity. I have had no viral issues with any of the 3, except when I got some hostage ware years ago surfing a 'bad neighborhood'. I forget which AV I had then. Anyway, my fault. I use WinPatrol to protect against that now, it gives me a last ditch opportunity to refuse installation of a bad download disguised as something else. ..

ESET and MSE are both a little resource heavy but it's worth it for the protection. I have very quick boot in both XP and W7. Today I am on the XP drive. I am quite pleased at having an AV solution that I don't have to re-download and reinstall monthly, or pay for. I actually forgot that MSE was running and started to install ESET a few minutes ago. Fortunately the installer warned me off, so I exited. That somehow led to my finding this forum section and posting.
Thanks for letting me share.