Microsoft’s new and free security software Microsoft Security Essentials received some raving reviews since its first release as a beta version. The final version of the antivirus software program was released alongside Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 7. Microsoft Security Essentials is using Windows Update to update the virus definition files which can be problematic in situations where Windows Update is not activated by default which is for example the case in company networks where updates are tested before they are applied to computer systems. It can also be helpful if Windows Update is not working properly (either because of a computer virus or other form of attack or because of other reasons).
Nakodari over at Addictive Tips has created a small software program called MSE Update Utility which can be used to update Microsoft Security Essentials even if Windows Update is disabled.
The update intervals of the software can be selected in the main interface after startup. The choices are daily, weekly, monthly or on startup with the additional option to add the program to Windows startup. The program could be an interesting option for users who cannot use Windows Update to update Microsoft Security Essentials. It seems though that the update tool needs to be running in the background to update the virus definitions. A better solution would be to either run and quit after updating the definition files or use the Windows Task Scheduler to schedule the updates.
Related posts:
- Microsoft Security Essentials Final Available
- Join the Microsoft Security Essentials Ongoing Beta
- Repair Microsoft Security Essentials
- Microsoft Security Essentials Final Announced
- Download Microsoft Security Essentials
- Microsoft Security Essentials Beta Now Available
- Microsoft Security Essentials Leaks
- Microsoft Security Essentials Rated Highly In AV-Comparatives Test
Awesome!..
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0 received a highly positive review in late October in PC Magazine online. It was preferred to MSE
Also, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0 topped MSE in a poll recently. It also came out ahead of Eset, Avast! and Avira. 24k people participated. This product contains LinkScanner which is free separately for home use for real-time safe surfing linkscanner.avg.com
http://lifehacker.com/5399564/five-best-antivirus-applications
That poll is based on popularity, not effectiveness. In AV Comparatives’ latest tests Microsoft Security Essentials gets a rank of Advanced+, the best classification. I also got a little surprised by this, but it seems that Microsoft finally created a great security program.
See the test for yourselves:
http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/removal/avc_removal_2009.pdf
I’m not saying that MSE is better than AVG’s offer, but if I had to recommend a good anti-virus, I would definitely recommend MSE.
I’d have to look, but one of AV-comparatives tests involves a sample size of 10, which they do discuss. I would also look at what CRN (channel web) said about AVG vs. Microsoft.
MSE has a built in Updater on the Second Tab with an Update Button, why is this utility even necessary?