Microsoft Security Essentials - New Free AV product for home users
Microsoft is offering this new anti-virus product free to home users. It's a basic product lacking some of the advanced features found in paid subscription AV products. However, in past reviews it seemed to do a good job in detecting malware. I personally tested with a CD of 15 older viruses, and it was 15 out 15 in detecting them.
It requires WGA activation, agreement to the EULA terms, and sufficient minimum hardware on XP, Vista, or Windows 7 home systems. I've been beta testing on our family PC since its introduction. Overall, I like the performance and user interface for this product in providing basic protection (it's a keeper for me). The upgrade from beta to version 1.0 went smoothly and without issues.
Some key links are noted below, including how to install on a PC not connected to Internet:
MSE PRESS RELEASE
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/sep09/09-28securityessentialspr.mspx
MSE HOME PAGE (AND DOWNLOAD LINK)
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
MSE SUPPORT
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/support.aspx
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/default.aspx
MSE FORUMS (Great Resource)
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse
MSE Manual DAT Update link
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606
MSE - HOW TO INSTALL AND UPDATE PC NOT CONNECTED TO INTERNET
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/mseupdate/thread/334bce61-a6ae-42bd-96ff-355bc4bee53b
HOW TO INSTALL MSE ON PC NOT CONNECTED TO INTERNET
1. Download MSE client from PC connected to high-speed Internet
2. Download Manual A/V signature file: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606
3. Copy both files to folder on target PC (USB flash drive)
4. Uninstall prior AV product and rebooted
5. Install MSE
6. Installed Manual AV Updates downloaded earlier
7. Review and Tailor MSE settings in each tab
8. Reboot to ensure MSE starts properly
9. Full baseline scan of entire system
10. Goal - Keep systray icon GREEN (i.e., it turns red if start-up issues occur; orange if A/V signatures are out of date or you haven't scanned system in a while)