Microsoft Security Essentials: Where to get free Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus software

In the old days, no computer was safe without the addition of expensive anti-virus software from companies like Norton. Over time it became clear that anti-virus software was necessary to protect every PC from viruses.

Microsoft security essentials is available for Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

To download this free software, click below:

Download Microsoft Security Essentials

How does Microsoft Security Essentials compare to Norton Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus?

Many people wonder if the official, free Microsoft antivirus software, Microsoft Security Essentials, is really so "Essential". Often companies that passionately specialize in security, such as Norton or McAfee, can create much better software than the basic software that Microsoft produces. Since Microsoft has many other projects, it is easy to see that it can't dedicate the same amount of programming knowledge toward the problem as the specialized companies can.

In our research, while there are many opinion and conclusions that ask the question "is microsoft security essentials any good", the consensus seems to be, go for the free MS Security Essentials Download first, and see if it suits your needs. If you use your computer simply for surfing the web or checking emails, this will probably suffice. If you use your computer for online banking, for storing important files and pictures, or to shop online, it might be worth investing in a higher level of antivirus software from Norton or McAfee.

So to answer the question Is Microsoft Security Essentials any good, we would reply that it is worth downloading to check out, and will probably work well for normal non sensitive uses.

Run the Microsoft Security Scanner to confirm that you have a virus

Run a scan to be sure you actually have a computer virus. The official, free Microsoft Security Scanner can be downloaded here: Microsoft Security Scanner

After installing and running the security scan, follow the instructions to remove any virus' that were found.

It's always a good time to get the free MS Security Essentials Download, to bolster the security of your PC and prevent malicious attacks.

My computer has Windows Defender. Do I need Security Essentials?

Windows Defender is another free antivirus and antispyware software that comes standard on many Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 computers.

If you have Windows Defender, you can still install Microsoft Security Essentials. It will provide a higher level of security. When Microsoft Security Essentials is installed, Windows Defender will be automatically disabled (but not uninstalled).

If you are a developer and are looking for tools that go beyond Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender, check out this list of Microsoft's free security tools for IT Professionals and Developers: Microsoft Security Blog: Free Security Tools for IT Professionals and Developers.