12 Nov 2012

Microsoft Essentials virus protection

On our regular local Monday night 2m net on 144.575MHz (in the all mode section) - anyone is welcome to join us in the East Cambridgeshire area - the subject of PC virus protection came up tonight. Some months back someone told me about Microsoft Essentials which is a free virus protection package. I still use McAfee here and have another year to run on it, but wonder what people think about the free Microsoft package? Does it work well?

9 comments:

Ricardo - CT2GQV said...

Hello Roger,

I'm a little suspect on this subject since I don't use any anti-virus at all but when I have to install one in family and friends computers I use that one, no complaints so far it's free and it's not always with pop-ups to upgrade to the latest greatest version (pay) like the others.
Also the best anti-virus is normally between the chair and the computer (that's the place were normal computer problems are also).

Hope it helps.

Roger G3XBM said...

Thanks Ricardo. People I know who use it are happy with it. Not sure I totally agree on your second point: these days an "open" and unprotected PC can soon pick up all sorts of malware and viruses quickly.

Anonymous said...

Every body here uses AVG free anti virus - it cant be beaten i've found.
Dont see why you need to pay ??

Tony

Roger G3XBM said...

MS Essentials is free too.

Unknown said...

MSE is my go to anti virus and has been for a number of years. Migrated over from AVG free. Have never had any reason to regret the move.

Mike WN5PMR

Anonymous said...

MSE is pretty good but it lacks one major thing - outbound packet inspection and control. It has nothing to notify you of what's leaving your computer and what program is generating it. Like most of Microsoft's products, MSE is designed to be hidden from the user as much as possible. If you like this sort of thing, go for MSE. If you like full control of your machine, use a more sophisticated firewall/anti-virus product. 73's David

Paul Stam PAØK said...

I use Microsoft anti-virus since I have Windows 7. It is light, no pops ups, Never had a virus 'infection' in the last two years. I am satisfied user of Microsoft anti virus.

Anonymous said...

Roger,
I agree with Ricardo, as I've said in the past, the best protection is in the wet-wear between one's ears. I don't use any AV products, although I've tried AVG and MSE in the past. All AV products have some performance impact, and when using one I've never, ever, had it report any virus problems. When not using one I've never had any problems either... It all depndes on whether you can trust yourself or other people who might use your machines.

zenographie said...

Hi Roger

MSE is a very efficient A.V.. In fact, the signature database and the "client" software are the same used in the commercial, professional (and expensive) version of "forefront server", the perimeter protection software sold by MS.I'm using this software on 5 workstation and 2 servers for many years without trouble

But anyhow, AVG, Essential, Kaspersky, Sophos, McAfee or whaterver A.V. is incapable of blocking "zero days" or "ante-system" viruses(bootkits, most of rootkits)... it shoud (it MUST) be known and never forget.

@anonymous : Roger is speaking about ANTIVIRUS, not firewall. An AV do NOT has to inspect outboud packet.

73'
Marc