Filed under: Security, Utilities, Windows, Microsoft, Freeware, Windows x64
Microsoft Security Essentials leaves beta, available for download 9/29/2009

Yes, Microsoft Security Essentials is set to shed the beta tag and will be available for public download starting September 29, 2009.
Many of our readers have been using the successor to Live OneCare since it first appeared as a leaked (and then official) beta build back in June of this year. Reviews have generally been very favorable. MSE has been praised for its good detection rates, infrequent false positives, scanning performance, and minimal resource utilization.
Once the download is live, you'll be able get Security Essentials right from Microsoft's web site. Chances are good that you will also be able to get your hands on the final version from Softpedia - just in case you need a backup plan.
MSE will be offered to users in 19 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
If you've used the MSE beta, share your experience in the comments!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
216 said 8:38PM on 9-28-2009
And the Countdown until Norton releases a Free Product begins...
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Bran said 7:38AM on 9-29-2009
And ends...............witha 30 day free trail.
Bran said 7:38AM on 9-29-2009
And ends...............witha 30 day free trial.
Aven said 3:42PM on 9-29-2009
Nice comment! :D
WilliamAleman said 8:44PM on 9-28-2009
I'm gonna tell you the truth security essentials is very good protection. I have been using it since it came in beta and have worked for me. Very fast protection and I don't get annoyed with it.
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Geir said 5:22AM on 9-29-2009
I agree. This is actually a good piece of software.
Jordan said 8:45PM on 9-28-2009
I have been an avid Norton user for years, and have highly loved their newest extremely fast versions. However I have been using the beta of Security Essentials for the past few months and I love it. It's fast, has an extremely small footprint, it works, and it's FREE. Though some would say this is marketing suicide on Microsoft's part, I think this is one of the best moves they've made in years. They can't hide the fact that Windows gets viruses, but by providing a very good free security suite, they can help protect and improve their image. I will definitely be using security essentials from here on out.
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OldGuy said 8:49PM on 9-28-2009
Norton 2009 just gave me a warning that this page on Microsoft Security Essentials is suspicious and blocked. Now I am going with Security Essentials for sure.
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Kris120890 said 8:56PM on 9-28-2009
Will you have to download the final version from Microsoft or will you be able to just update it if you have the beta. I'm guessing the latter.
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wes.c said 8:57PM on 9-28-2009
I've been using the beta for a few months, and it's excellent. I'd recommend coupling it with Malwarebytes for extra confidence.
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Jeff Mitchell said 10:00PM on 9-28-2009
I've been using the beta since day 1. I was very unhappy with AVG and MSE has been nothing but easy to use and to the point. It simply does it's job well and nothing more. That's all any antivirus/spyware program should do.
Combined with Malwarebytes it makes for a very nice protection package!
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Trevor Hicken said 10:07PM on 9-28-2009
I've been using it and I'm satifisfied. It's easy to use and it caught a virus in it's tracks so I know it works
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Ji said 10:07PM on 9-28-2009
Its all I need, fast, free, and AVG suckos!
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mxxcon said 10:19PM on 9-28-2009
One thing i don't like about this software is if you set it to scan your whole computer, your don't get results until the whole scan is done.
It will show that it found "something", but it won't show what and where until the scan is complete.
Also, you can't scan specific folders or drives. Its either real-time protection, or scan your whole computer, all drives.
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TSSaloic said 10:42PM on 9-28-2009
You can scan specific folders by finding them in explorer and right clicking on them. I know it's not in the interface, but they have to keep something for 2.0.
fincan said 11:27PM on 9-28-2009
I was a long time Nod32 user (actually still using on some of my computers) but I am using MSE since I've installed my win 7 RC1, and so far it's been really good.
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nikescar said 12:48AM on 9-29-2009
I love it! I've installed it on all my computers after removing AVG. Now if my girlfriend would let me install it on hers.
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kojo87 said 2:07AM on 9-29-2009
hot damn. this will be replacing AVG ASAP
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Marty K. said 2:34AM on 9-29-2009
The release date is kind of funny because Security Essentials is not the only security-oriented software coming out on that day. Ubuntu is coming out with 9.10 ;)
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mxxcon said 8:49AM on 9-29-2009
actually ubuntu 9.10 is coming out on 10/29/2009