Its Free but...
Microsoft provides its users with it's own software that is used to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
It provides real-time protection for your PCs.
I however want to state here my disclaimer. I am not a security expert and I do not pontificate which is the better antivirus or anti malware software.
To be totally honest any product is going to be a moving target, this years antivirus software could be next years "has been". I'm not going to recommend any software because each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Probably you should treat security programs like share investments. Invest in what you think best takes care of your security and get new securities as you seem fit.
My aim here is to highlight to you Microsoft's free offerings. Why because it is free and it is better than what most of us have which is NOTHING.
My aim here is to highlight to you Microsoft's free offerings. Why because it is free and it is better than what most of us have which is NOTHING.
Microsoft Defender
Windows Defender was originally known as Microsoft AntiSpyware and was eventually included with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
The main thing to note about Windows Defender is that it only protects against spyware in Windows 7. That’s why you always needed another separate anti-virus program in Windows 7 and earlier.
But it comes with your system preloaded so why not use it as your spyware filter? Well Microsoft didn't sit idle and put together Microsoft Security Essentials.
What is Microsoft Security Essentials?
There are a host of nasty intruders on the Internet including viruses, trojans, worms and spyware. Microsoft Security Essentials offers protection against these intruders without getting in your way.
It provides real-time protection for your PC and Microsoft Security Essentials is free and simple to install and easy to use. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you don't have to worry about interruptions or making updates.
It provides real-time protection for your PC and Microsoft Security Essentials is free and simple to install and easy to use. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you don't have to worry about interruptions or making updates.
On Windows 7 Microsoft Security Essentials supersedes Windows Defender as it is a superset of services as compared to Windows Defender. Microsoft Security Essentials is downloaded to replace Windows Defender and once installed it disables Windows Defender altogether.
In subsequent versions of Windows Microsoft Security Essentials was rolled into Windows Defender and is not needed to be downloaded.
Microsoft Security Essentials features include:
- Real-time protection
- System scanning
- System cleaning
- Windows Firewall integration
- Dynamic signature service
- Rootkit protection
- Protection against real threats, not good software
Conclusion
If you and your family are savvy users you will develop safety habits that diminish the need for these sort of tools. However I'd direct you to check out Microsoft's Family Safety centre and their
Six tips to help you stay safer online.FAQ
- How to get Windows Security Essentials? Security Essentials is downloaded from Microsoft from: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/security-essentials-download.
- How does Windows Security Essentials perform this month? http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/mmpc/shared/protection.aspx
- Can you direct me to the Microsoft Security Tech Centre? http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/security/
- Microsoft's commitment to protection of its systems from Malware etc. Check out: http://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2013/10/09/our-commitment-to-microsoft-antimalware.aspx
- Where can I find security bulletins from Microsoft? https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/dn610807.aspx
- How can I check for my computer's vulnerabilities? Can use Steve Gibson's site which has some testing facilities built in. (I'll add to this answer as I see appropriate tools)
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