Is windows security essentials really that good?

11 years ago

Since loading windows security essentials a year ago I haven't had a single piece of malware detected by Malwarebytes or Spybot. I'm using Windows 7 on 2 comps. Is there anything else I should be doing or is it that good at keeping the bad stuff out?

Andrew.

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Comments (13)

owbist
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Yes it is!

I have nothing else on this computer and have been running it since the day it was released. I have also installed it on numerous other computers and recommended it to anyone needing protection.

However if you have any doubts then consider including Malwarebytes which you can then run as and when you feel the need.
azinoh
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Since I started using MSE I've had 3 or 4 alerts saying it found a problem and fixed it. In the same time I've had maybe 2 alerts each from Malwarebytes and Superantispyware. I usually don't go to web sites that I suspect are unsafe. I wouldn't intentionally go to an unsafe site just to find out if MSE would protect me. Sometimes I do like to find out what is in the mystery links I get in my spam emails, but when I do I use Linux for that.
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Rita it updates whenever an update is created. My last update was 36 hours ago but as you seem concerned I did a manual check for an update and there was one there which would have installed automatically in the next few minutes. Remember, I have just woken my computer from snooze mode for a new day. You can turn the auto scan schedule off, not sure why you would want to after all the idea is to give you and automatic program leaving you one less thing to worry over. The only reason I know my scan is running is because I have a noisy hard drive, it simply runs in the background like so many other items you have installed.
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I could make up my own list if you really want, but my opinion is no better/worse than the next guy's and it can't possibly take into account your personal needs and requirements especially when, aside from knowing you use Win7, we know nothing about your computer. Since there is a free Malwarebytes, why not try it and find out if it suits you? If it does not, you've lost only a little time and you can uninstall it at your leisure. Don't worry about what other people complain about.
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genes
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
yes
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
Reading is in the pudding.

Please read the prior link tagged below.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Computer Help Forum
mikie_gw
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I've used security essentials for a long time, probably since it was first beta. Only virus it gets, is the ones that I might download and install myself.. ignoring its warnings... and I have to either turn off security essentials or allow the bad guy to even use those even its just a risky program.

Maybe 3 or 4 times security essentials has turned my screen red while browsing,.. warning a site contains risky somethings before loading the page. Giving the options to load or not. Then its often 'Security Essentials will now clean your computer OK ... then you can look in its history to see what it removed from the browser cache.

Pretty simple program. New version loads small incremental definition update files usually just kb's in file size compared to the older versions updating 6 or so mb each time.

I set the limit cpu usage to 100% on its back tab.. two core cpu here shows around 50% each core when scanning. so you still easily surf the web or do other stuff while it scans relatively fast.
steve_fl
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Would you recommend MSE over AVG?-
I have been running AVG, seems to be a resource hog-
Would MSE be a better choice?
azinoh
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
There's nothing to be lost by trying MSE...is there? If you don't like it, you can always try something else.
mikie_gw
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Make sure you use the AVG removal tool before installing any other anti virus products.

''AVG Remover

AVG Remover eliminates all the parts of your AVG installation from your computer, including registry items, installation files, user files, etc.
''

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.avg.com/us-en/utilities
owbist
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I found the following very interesting article written by 'imdoody' here:-

It really does not matter what antivirus is used, but have it. Even more importantly, be smart when using the web and internet. Here are some very good steps that will prevent almost all Maleware/viruses (The crazy thing is, it's not a program; Its You, the end user!)

1. Don't look at Adult Material (aka Pr0n) on the internet.
2. Don't download kazaa, bear share, limewire, etc, etc.... buy your music for real.
You end up spending more money paying "geekpatrol" (trying not to use real names) to fix all the viruses you received because your 13 yr old daughter was trying to download the latest Avril Lavreign song on limewire.
3. Stay away from anything free (i.e. "try this free for 2 weeks, cancel anytime, free acie berry diet pills... the list goes on..." some free stuff is good, like MS security essentials....)
4. Don't click on untrusted "Sponsored adds" or download email attachments from untrusted senders. (UPS, facebook, or ebay will not send an attachment to update your password, or track a package.... EVER!)
5. Facebook is great for catching up with old friends, or staying in touch with new ones. But stay away from all the ads and BS games.
6. Don't click on pop ups or windows that say things like "1200 viruses found click here to clean!" (Wait, how did they find 1200 viruses and when did I start a scan? OH I don't remember installing AntiVirus 2010!!!! ("alt+F4" is your friend it will close fake pop ups like these.) you may loose what you are looking at but it is worth it.

7. DO google search companies that you are unsure about followed by "Consumer reports" or "BBB" (Better Business Bureau)
8. DO use intra site searching when using google. Example: you are searching for Microsoft security essentials, if you put "site: microsoft.com" after your search keywords it will search through Microsofts site first and display those results before any other sites.
9. DO right click and select "Copy shortcut" for any unusual looking links and paste it into notepad, the displayed text for a link can be deceiving... http://www.ebay.com is much different from http://www.ebay.oedl.eds.something.com, websites are ready backwards starting with the .com then the primary domain, this example would be ebay.
and..

10. DO WATCH your kids internet and computer use.... No you are not snooping, or creeping, or invading privacy... you are being a good parent. I cannot stress this enough! The internet can be a dangerous place; I know, I've been there....

Look into http://www.opendns.com for keyword filtering, restricting websites, and many other free options.

I hope this helps a bit, as I have been in the IT field for quite a few years I have seen all the different types of users, and one thing they all have in common is that they don't understand the technology. But with a couple easy to remember tips it is easy to stay away from viruses and maleware.

one more, search: "uninstall software site: microsoft.com" and "removed Tool bars site: microsoft.com" get rid of un-needed programs and excessive toolbar addins.... if you have more than one tool bar in your internet explorer, you should get rid of them (and watch when installing apps, like yahoo messager, Adobe Reader, java, etc. They all have a prechecked checkbox to install a toolbar. just uncheck it.... )

O and Run an antivirus/antimaleware.... doesn't matter which just make sure some popup said if you buy this now it will fix your problems. Trust the trusted providers,
anne_ct
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
YES!...coupled with the paid version of Malwarebytes.

I'm not sure I would use it as a stand-alone because over the year or so that I've had them both on my system...Malwarebytes has blocked or caught more than Security Essentials has but I'm very satisfied with the combination. And yes...I would recommend it over AVG. I had the paid version of AVG and I replaced it with this current combination. IMO...AVG isn't what it used to be. In the computer field...there will always be advancements in protection. It's up to us to keep abreast of them and utilize what's considered the best at the moment. I do not agree with Consumer's latest contribution...noting that their research is often months old before it reaches their pages...and I use my system just short of 24/7 for research as well as professional writing.

Anne
meggypeggy
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Yes, it is.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have used it on my family members computers with good success
emma
11 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I agree. I didn't know I could use it alone. I still use Malware and Superanti Spyware also. Super seems gets things Malware misses.

Is windows security essentials really that good?

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owbist

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