Microsoft Security Essentials? A reliable anti-virus program?

[Sunshine Locket]

I run Windows 7 on my new computer because it came installed actually.
I'm wondering if Microsoft Security Essentials is a reliable anti-virus program since it's made by the same software company that created Windows 7.

If not is there a really great anti-virus that is preferably a real freeware program? Not one of those freeware that ends up expiring in 30 days unless you buy the sub.

 

[C-Man]

Avast Antivirus and Malwarebytes are both good programs.

 

[Sunshine Locket]

Thank you. The only thing is with Avast is it has a limited use. Thirty days or so and then it becomes a subscription issue.

 

[paul1149]

I've begun installing the beta version of Panda Free Cloud Antivirus on machines. It has a nice interface and seems to work well. The feature set is good and improving. It's very light on resources.

 

[Sketcher]

MSE had a good reputation at the time I obtained it for my dad's computer. Lately, it's been updated, yet missing things. Malwarebytes got some of those things, others it missed.

 

[idomin00]

Thank you. The only thing is with Avast is it has a limited use. Thirty days or so and then it becomes a subscription issue.

I'm using Avast since 2012, and the only thing it asks is to sign up and it's FREE!!!!

I'm not sure who said there is a payment for the Free program...

 

[Friar Tuck]

I run Windows 7 on my new computer because it came installed actually.
I'm wondering if Microsoft Security Essentials is a reliable anti-virus program since it's made by the same software company that created Windows 7.

Security Essentials Review - YouTube

 

[MrJim]

I've been using Avast free version for years...

 

[Sunshine Locket]

Thank you all. My cousin had the Avast anti-virus. But after awhile it was saying their free subscription was about to run out. Then this window would pop up showing the different subscription options available at a cost.
I'll have to check into it.
Thank you all again.

 

[C-Man]

You can set up a free subscription, then when it runs out, just make up some other e-mail address and name. You don't have to use your real name and e-mail at all.

 

[idomin00]

Thank you all. My cousin had the Avast anti-virus. But after awhile it was saying their free subscription was about to run out. Then this window would pop up showing the different subscription options available at a cost.
I'll have to check into it.
Thank you all again.

Actually you just need to simply re-enter you name and email, and they may send
you a confirmation link...that's it

 

[SaphireOwl]

I have MS Security Essentials installed. It was the first thing I got when I bought a new computer last year.

I just switched my browser to Firefox after reading the article about IE being compromised so badly. IE started acting up the other day and that scared me. Hope this is as secure as they say.

I'll look into Avast. It seems to have more from the sound of it than does SE.

 

[WalksWithChrist]

AVG is free as well. And easy to update/renew. I've been using it for several years now.

 

[DanielGarneau]

I have been using MS Security Essentials for less than a year, and it works fine. Yesterday a friend of mine who has been taking a course on creating Websites with WordPress had a confirmation that MS Security Essentials is still considered a good way to protect one's PC.

Before this I was using a full version of McAfee, which warned me of doubtful sites I should avoid visiting. MS Security Essentials has none of these extra functionalities, but I like it.

I also used Avast and AVG free versions for a number of years, and they worked fine, but it is a bit annoying to have to renew the free version every year.

 

[Jahrooshshalom]

This is the type thread I was looking for. AVG at PC magazine site ranks editors choice now for 2016. Avast is way down the line.

 

[mnorian]

I run Windows 7 on my new computer because it came installed actually.
I'm wondering if Microsoft Security Essentials is a reliable anti-virus program since it's made by the same software company that created Windows 7.

If not is there a really great anti-virus that is preferably a real freeware program? Not one of those freeware that ends up expiring in 30 days unless you buy the sub.

The thing about anti-virus programs is; you never know when they are working, but you sure do when they don't.

I have had MSE since my laptop was new in spring of 2012; have had no known problems with viruses, malware, vicious ware or ad ware. I say known because I have had a lot of little aggravating crashes with browsers, web sites, email programs, etc.

I have had; over the years something around 10+ computers and always bought the top rated virus swatter available; but I have also lost one computer for sure to a virus; the local tech said he could clean out the hard drive and bios but it would take him so many hours; I decided to buy a new computer.

Other computers were infested with viruses or x-ware; so that the AV programs would say that for an up-grade to a more costly version; they could clean up the pc and make it work faster; sometimes the anti-virus program is worse then the disease.

But, also I have had several years over the last 20; that I had no problems, either way. One was a with 1995 IBM Aptiva. and the other was a HP with XP; was it good AV protection or just stable machines? i don't know.

The worst experience I have had with AV programs; was with McAfee; I had bought the program online and had it for a year; all the time it sending me ad's for up-grading to other McAfee products; and for the last 90 days increasing reminders that I needed to re-up the yearly subscription. So when I found a discount on McAfee by buying a CD version, I bought It and installed it. I tried to put in the registration number from the CD after installing it, but the online version would not stop sending sending warnings of being without AV protection; which increased in frequency till it was coming on every minute, then I would cancel it; it would be right back; till finally the computer locked up. I had to reformat, re-install Windows and got Norton's AV.

So; for me Microsoft's SE works; I don't bother it and it don't bother me, and I have saved some money to boot.

 

[paul1149]

I've now installed Panda on well over 100 units, and am very pleased with it. It's lightweight (lighter than MSE), simple interface, effective without many false positives, and URL filtering is available for free, though I no longer install it. It doesn't bug you to upgrade (that can be turned off), or even to update that I've seen.

 

[Larniavc]

I run Windows 7 on my new computer because it came installed actually.
I'm wondering if Microsoft Security Essentials is a reliable anti-virus program since it's made by the same software company that created Windows 7.

If not is there a really great anti-virus that is preferably a real freeware program? Not one of those freeware that ends up expiring in 30 days unless you buy the sub.

I use AVG.

I'm very happy with it.

 

[Jahrooshshalom]

I had a free trial of AVG . But when it started slowing my computer at start up and then popped this window saying it would be faster if I bought one of their programs I uninstalled it.

Anyone have experience with Norton? That came with the computer.

BTW, Saphire I love love your owls signature

 

[paul1149]

Norton has slimmed down a lot in the past couple of years, which is very commendable, but I still wouldn't use it. The big security suites are, IMO, meant for corporations where employees cannot focus too much on the machines they work on. So responsibility gets booted up the chain and you end up with bloat and overkill. McAfee is the worst.