Microsoft Security Essentials - Free, Powerful, Get It
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:20PM Microsoft Security Essentials released a few weeks ago, it is powerful, minimally invasive, and just works. Being safe on the internet can be tricky business, with all of the exploits and viruses out there, average folk don't always know what is safe and what isn't (even techy people fall prey at times.)
Normally you pay upwards of $50 a year to get virus protection on your machine. You pay that for the peace of mind that hopefully the program catches viruses and keeps you safe. The first line of defense in protection is you, and your internet habits (but that is for another story.)
Microsoft in the past has had other products for the home market, such as OneCare. These worked but were fairly invasive in telling you "HEY I did something!" Everyone hates a popup.
Security Essentials is built upon the corporate level software that has been improved over the years to become a very good piece of security software. Essentials has just taken that good software, and made it lean, mean, and minimally footprinted on your machine.
I won't bore you with all the technical talk you can read that on Paul Thurrots excellent review of this software, he knows his stuff. His article also has a great writeup on how to use the software (which is VERY EASY) I am here to tell the average joe, that this software is not only FREE, but in its countless reviews on the internet, has received high praise for its ability and minimal footprint on your machine (your machine will run well even when Essensials is running!).
So save your self $50 a year. Be careful on the internet, watch your browsing habits, use Microsoft Security Essentials to keep your computer safe.

