Microsoft Security Essentials First Impressions

I mentioned Morro in a recent post about fun with viruses and the beauty of the cloud, but as a UK resident I did not have access to the software. Well now Microsoft Security Essentials is available everywhere: it is a free, integrated engine for Antivirus, Antispyware and Antimalware.

First thoughts? Great stuff. Really. The first and most noticeable impact was on overall system performance. I am a Windows XP stuck in the mud, and now I have another reason for the status quo – my machine just got faster. Talking of the status quo:

feeling sentimental as i uninstall zonealarm for Security Essentials. you’ve protected me well, dear friend, but its time to move on

Essentials also immediately picked up what looked like a potentially ugly piece of malware- a “password catcher”. Sophos had missed it. Security on Windows has been a nightmare of administration as different tools clashed over resources. As I complained before:

I, for one, am fed up to the back teeth with the pathetic interoperability of security tools on desktops and laptops. I know I am not alone. Of course the AV vendors have to take a lot of responsibility here – if they worried more about user experience it would be easier to negotiate with them and get them to do the right thing.

Well the problem is now sorted out, for me at least. I have decided to embrace Microsoft’s warm embrace. I can’t vouch for Essentials as an enterprise tool, but first impressions for me – are good. Any time your machine becomes faster and apparently more secure you have to feel good about the change.