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Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 Review

Nov 6, 2011

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License: Free

OS Supported:Windows

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Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 is a freeware application provided by Microsoft which provides virus and spyware protection for your PC. The program is available as a free download, easy to install and very user-friendly.

Up until recently the Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 has been available as a beta version prior to the release of the final version. The final version is a standalone security application which provides basic protection for your PC. It is important to note that this application does not clean files however; it will remove them in the event of an infection.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 Features

The final version of Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 contains many of the functions from the beta version with a few extras. Some of the features include:

User-Friendly Interface: The interface is very clear and is divided into four different categories with tabs which allow you to easily access definition updates, updates program preferences, view the history logs, and monitor the security status for your operating system.
Scanning Variety: Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 offers three different types of scanning processes which include a quick scan, deep scan, or a scan that can be customized by the user. You can also schedule the scans to run at a time that is convenient for you as well as when you are not using your PC.
Full Integration: Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 is completely compatible with Windows Firewall and Windows Explorer and provides automatic updates for the virus and malware definition database.
System Restore: If for any reason you need to revert back to previous settings, Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 provides restore points to enable you to restore your system to an earlier time.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 also runs quietly in the background of your PC so you can remain productive without experiencing delays and slow PC performance. It is a basic security application that is appropriate for average users.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1

If you are an advanced user or even a network administrator you may find Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 somewhat on the simple side and geared more toward the average user. The 2.1 version does not provide a firewall however it integrates with the firewall in the Windows operating system. Another disadvantage is it does not clean files which have become infected.

The advantages are that the application is easy to install with a user-friendly interface and offers a variety of different types of scanning methods. It also provides automatic updates and does not compromise the performance of your PC.

System Requirements

Microsoft Security Essentials works will all versions of Windows operating systems including both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The download file size is 9.9MB and is available as a free download. System requirements include:

Minimum requirements: