Download, Review, Screenshots: Microsoft Security Essentials 4 Public Beta

[PJC]

Microsoft Security Essentials Beta (http://www.intowindows.com/download-microsoft-security-essentials-4-0-beta-now/)

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Offline Installer (http://www.intowindows.com/direct-link-to-microsoft-security-essentials-mse-offline-installer/)

[PJC]

-http://www.thewindowsclub.com/download-review-microsoft-security-essentials-4

[The Seeker]

Still way too sluggish for my liking.

[Mops21]

Hi all

Microsoft Security Essentials: Virenschutz kostenlos

http://www.chip.de/news/Microsoft-Security-Essentials-Virenschutz-kostenlos_53116433.html

Microsoft Security Essentials 4 Beta verfügbar - was ist neu?

http://www.drwindows.de/windows-news/48600-microsoft-security-essentials-4-beta-verfuegbar-neu.html

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=312353&page=2

[Brocke]

this version for looks alot like version 1 without all the new features.

I wonder what the final product will look like and have in it because right now looks really plain. lol

[acr1965]

-{ Quote: "-http://www.thewindowsclub.com/download-review-microsoft-securityessentials" }-

Not to get too far off topic, but a question,
the article with the screen shots says "Modern day operating systems like Windows 7 are quite secure and actively protect you against almost all security threats by making use of inbuilt security measures like,...
...
Sandboxing..."

Is this correct? Is there an inbuilt sandbox feature in Windows 7?

[Smiggy]

Really, really surprised that the overwhelming issue in the last release hasn't at the very least been queried in this Beta?!!
Kinda summed up the scraping of the barrel with regards to constructive commenting last time round.

Has the system tray icon been re-developed, I mean c'mon guys, the green house icon was really lame!!!!
:wacko:

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Not to get too far off topic, but a question,
the article with the screen shots says "Modern day operating systems like Windows 7 are quite secure and actively protect you against almost all security threats by making use of inbuilt security measures like,...
...
Sandboxing..."

Is this correct? Is there an inbuilt sandbox feature in Windows 7?" }-

They meant Internet Explorer Protected Mode.

By the way, they did skip version 3, after all. That's odd, no? :D

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Really, really surprised that the overwhelming issue in the last release hasn't at the very least been queried in this Beta?!!
Kinda summed up the scraping of the barrel with regards to constructive commenting last time round.

Has the system tray icon been re-developed, I mean c'mon guys, the green house icon was really lame!!!!
:wacko:" }-

You mean the green castle? What's wrong with it? It's just an icon. But, that's me... I don't complain with Sandboxie's slice of pizza icon either... ;D

[Hungry Man]

Going to try this out on Win8.

[shoe]

Installed the Beta yesterday scheduled scan did not run today

[Mops21]

Hi all

Microsoft Security Essentials

http://www.chip.de/downloads/Microsoft-Security-Essentials_43922607.html

Microsoft Security Essentials 4 Beta jetzt verfügbar

http://winfuture.de/news,66894.html

[noel1947]

Hi

For the 2nd time since installation yesterday of ASE beta, real time protection has automatically turned itself off while computer was idle at the time.
(no - I was reading Wilder's forums on both occasions).

Only way to turn real time protection back on is a reboot of my system.
Nothing like scans of other security software, logs or details in event viewer points to the culprit.
Have e-mailed ASE support. Will see what transpires and report findings here.

noel1947

[Ranget]

what is the 3rd Version

i don't remember that there is a third version am i correct ?
or did i time traveled

[BoerenkoolMetWorst]

-{ Quote: "what is the 3rd Version

i don't remember that there is a third version am i correct ?
or did i time traveled" }-
Yeah, about a week ago they announced the v3 beta would be here soon, now it warped to v4 :wacko:

[Noob]

That's called the Google Effect ;D (Fast version scheme)

[RejZoR]

Is it still scanning archives in real-time?

[saakeman]

-{ Quote: "That's called the Google Effect ;D (Fast version scheme)" }-

What is the diffrence between, example: "Version 4.1.2.6" and "version4/5/6" ??
It just numbers...

[SweX]

-{ Quote: "What is the diffrence between, example: "Version 4.1.2.6" and "version4/5/6" ??
It just numbers..." }-
The first example "4.1.2.6" is better, that's the difference ;D

There's no need to ""Now we have fixed just a tiny bit in version 8.0 so now we will release version 9.0""
Then it's better to release 8.1, or if it is a bigger fix but nothing major then maybe 8.5.

[PJC]

-{ Quote: "That's called the 'Google Effect' ;D (= Fast version scheme)" }-
I hope it isn't...transmitted...:argh:

[acr1965]

Version 4 seems to be a product at a much more advanced stage than simply calling it version 3 ::) ....especially when other av's are up in version numers 9, 10, etc. Didn't Avira skip a version number and maybe Sophos a few years back? I think it would have behooved MS better if they would have ditched the version # altogether and just went with the annual release model. Like call version 4 version MSE 2012. Then at least many users would be able to tell if their av version was up to date easier.

[xxJackxx]

-{ Quote: "...Then at least many users would be able to tell if their av version was up to date easier." }-

It updates version through Windows Update, so nobody is going to fall behind.

[Noob]

I'm not saying a fast version scheme is better (Referring to your example).
I'm just saying it seems that developers are catching Google's fast version scheme ;D

[The Seeker]

-{ Quote: "Is it still scanning archives in real-time?" }-

Yep, same old slowdown.

[Ranget]

well there is nothing new about it

GUI is the same
Database Update still the same Slow and buggy

also they didn't add a firewall control to the GUI
but i don't know about the HIPS if they played with it

gonna try some leaktest once my Internet Get Back up

[robinb9]

why is the topic here since MSE is an antivirus program not just an antimalware program. Shouldn't it be with the antivirus section? I had to do a search of MSE to find this- I assumed it would be in the antivirus section
robin

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "MSE is an antivirus program" }-Technically, it's an antimalware program.-{ Quote: "Here are some ways Microsoft Security Essentials helps keep your PCs safe without getting in your way or making you worry.

Real-time protection

Real-time protection means addressing potential threats before they become problems. Alerts notify you when spyware, viruses, or other malicious software attempt to run or install on your PC, and suspicious files and programs are prevented from opening" }-http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials/product-information

[jdd58]

I've noticed that the network inspection module service is not running in the new version (NisSrv.exe). Has anyone else noticed this or do I have a flawed install? When I go to, Help > About Security Essentials, it shows the network module as being there. Maybe it has been combined with another service.

[trjam]

nope not running.

I like it. The tray icon loads and turns green very fast. It appears there isnt a need to decide what action you want based on the threat because it pretty much auto-decides based on the threat. I am very impressed how light it is. So far so good.:thumb:

[saakeman]

A review on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2FGL_dXAe4

[kupo]

-{ Quote: "I've noticed that the network inspection module service is not running in the new version (NisSrv.exe). Has anyone else noticed this or do I have a flawed install? When I go to, Help > About Security Essentials, it shows the network module as being there. Maybe it has been combined with another service." }-
Mine is also not running, but in the review posted above I saw it running in the task manager.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Is it still scanning archives in real-time?" }-

According to a review on Youtube by languy99, you seem to be able to disable archives scanning. Hope I'm not wrong, though. ;D

[1chaoticadult]

Yes you can disable it. It's under setting ---> advanced. Just uncheck it ;) ;D

[Dermot7]

-{ Quote: "Hi

For the 2nd time since installation yesterday of ASE beta, real time protection has automatically turned itself off while computer was idle at the time.
(no - I was reading Wilder's forums on both occasions).

Only way to turn real time protection back on is a reboot of my system.
Nothing like scans of other security software, logs or details in event viewer points to the culprit.
Have e-mailed ASE support. Will see what transpires and report findings here.

noel1947" }-

After a manual update I got these error messages, and realtime protection switched off. Not sure yet if firewall (OA free) might have caused (but don't think so) and will see if issue recurrs. Reboot resolved issue in this case also.
edit : Problem uploading ss attachments to show this..will try again later

[jdd58]

-{ Quote: "I've noticed that the network inspection module service is not running in the new version (NisSrv.exe). Has anyone else noticed this or do I have a flawed install? When I go to, Help > About Security Essentials, it shows the network module as being there. Maybe it has been combined with another service." }-

This is the reply I received on the MSE forum:

"In MSE 2.0 the NIS module would only normally run if the exploits it protects from were not yet patched via their related Windows Updates. This is done to save processoing power and network performance, since once patched the exploits are no longer available anyway."

"To be a bit more clear, NIS actually runs at startup to test whether or not the necessary patches are in place, but then terminates itself if they are and so it's services aren't necessary."

So, it seems to be normal if your patches are up to date.

[robinb9]

-{ Quote: "Technically, it's an antimalware program.http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials/product-information" }-


nope- it is technically an antivirus program- gets rid of viruses as in your other quote- viruses are in antivirus programs not antispyware programs

Here look at offical microsofts website

"The anti-annoying, anti-expensive, anti-virus program"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

it says it all

robin

[RejZoR]

Nonsense. There is no such thing as strictly antivirus program. They have all evolved to cover all kinds of malware.

I just wonder what does Microssoft enhance considering it looks exactly the same in 4th version as it did in the first one.

[Baserk]

-{ Quote: "nope- it is technically an antivirus program- gets rid of viruses as in your other quote- viruses are in antivirus programs not antispyware programs..." }-
Nope; MSE "Alerts notify you when spyware, viruses, or other malicious software..." (as linked by ronjor)

So it removes spyware(=malicious software), viruses(=malicious software) and other malicious software.
Hence, it's an antimalware program.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "After a manual update I got these error messages, and realtime protection switched off. Not sure yet if firewall (OA free) might have caused (but don't think so) and will see if issue recurrs. Reboot resolved issue in this case also.
edit : Problem uploading ss attachments to show this..will try again later" }-

A relative of mine has seen the error message about MSE not being able to turn its real time protection.

But, my relative is running MSE v2. A session log off sufficed; it wasn't needed to reboot.

I checked the MSE services, and they were all up and running. They could had been deactivated for some reason. Odd. ???

[Mops21]

Hi all

Microsoft Security Essentials 4: Angst vor Klagen der Konkurrenz?

http://www.drwindows.de/windows-news/48714-microsoft-security-essentials-4-angst-klagen-konkurrenz.html

[m00nbl00d]

Those of you running non-English versions of MSE v2 who would like to run MSE v4 beta without uninstalling MSE v2, and instead upgrade on top, can do so by opening the Registry with administrator rights and change the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Security Client > Market to EN-US. Reboot. You'll then have MSE English version. Run MSE v4 beta installer to upgrade.

[m00nbl00d]

I think they have simplified MSE way too much. Now we can't configure it to monitor all files, incoming files or outgoing files. I suppose now it's all... At least, using the GUI. I still haven't looked at the Registry.

Also, I don't like not being in control of what actions to take when a threat/potential threat is found. MSE does have few FPs; still it does have them. I hope they bring it back.

I also hope they bring more control over what files to scan (all, incoming or outgoing).

What do you think about it?

-edit-

By the way, v2 used to have behavior monitoring... I've never seen it working, though... It doesn't seem to have it any more. Or, is it simply running in the background without an option to deselect it, just like Network Inspection System?

That's something I'd actually like to see in MSE v4... working... ;D

[funkydude]

"Behaviour monitoring" is built into the "signatures" if I recall correctly. Also, it's a beta. I highly doubt they've even touched the UI since it looks exact same as v1 right down to the options.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: ""Behaviour monitoring" is built into the "signatures" if I recall correctly. Also, it's a beta. I highly doubt they've even touched the UI since it looks exact same as v1 right down to the options." }-

They have modified the UI settings, a bit... under Settings. Real-time protection setting now only has a box to either select or deselect real-time protection.

v2 had:

* Scan all downloads;
* Monitor file and program activity on your computer (where we could choose all, incoming or outgoing);
* Enable behavior monitoring;
* Enable Network Inspection System

The last two aren't important to be there. I do wonder whether behavior monitor actually does anything, though. But, the first two are, IMHO.

As you said, it's still beta; so, I hope they'll bring it back. No reason to take them away. I'll make a request to bring it back. Maybe others did it too, and more voices will help to bring it back.

[FrankPU]

-{ Quote: "I think they have simplified MSE way too much. Now we can't configure it to monitor all files, incoming files or outgoing files. I suppose now it's all... At least, using the GUI. I still haven't looked at the Registry.

Also, I don't like not being in control of what actions to take when a threat/potential threat is found. MSE does have few FPs; still it does have them. I hope they bring it back.

I also hope they bring more control over what files to scan (all, incoming or outgoing).

What do you think about it?

-edit-

By the way, v2 used to have behavior monitoring... I've never seen it working, though... It doesn't seem to have it any more. Or, is it simply running in the background without an option to deselect it, just like Network Inspection System?

That's something I'd actually like to see in MSE v4... working... ;D" }-

I absolutely agree. The simplification is excessive, we can not have some control over anything :(

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "I absolutely agree. The simplification is excessive, we can not have some control over anything :(" }-

The big issue is that people (Microsoft, etc) tend to believe that simple equals lack of security technologies and lack of configuration options. Simple security means that it's practically set and forget.

-edit-

What I mean with set and forget is that, once we configure it to our liking, it simply works in the background without bothering us 100% of the time. 2% of the time is OK. ;)

If Microsoft really is being picky about "simple", because it will only confuse MSE users, then by all means REMOVE ALL options from Internet Explorer. Aren't those options overwhelming to 99% of Internet Explorer users? lol Come on Microsoft, gives us a break, will you?

-end of edit-

There's a lot that could be done with MSE. It's actually quite funny the ad I've seen yesterday at a Microsoft's support page. I forgot to make a screenshot. :-[

It said Paying for antivirus software is so 2008. ;D Then, we see Microsoft taking away functionality from MSE, and also not making it be more than what it is. Quite ironic.

-edit-

I found the link -http://support.microsoft.com/ph/15931 ;D

[ronjor]

Discussion on MSE default settings. -> http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_start/default-actions-missing-from-microsoft-security/05f4ef12-f0ef-4dab-b4f2-22bcc6132a04?page=1&tm=1323469743944

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Discussion on MSE default settings. -> http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_start/default-actions-missing-from-microsoft-security/05f4ef12-f0ef-4dab-b4f2-22bcc6132a04?page=1&tm=1323469743944" }-

Thanks Ron for the link. :thumb:

It only shows that Default actions should still be present, IMHO. (I'm still reading the full thread there to see what are the overall thoughts about it.)

Those who want to set it to automatically quarantine threats, do it; those would like to be prompted for a decision, should be able to do it too.

Seriously speaking, 99% of users won't know whether or not something is, in fact, malicious or simply a false positive. If their antivirus/antimalware flags something, then for all they know it's a malicious file. They will delete it/quarantine. Or, if they deliberately downloaded the file knowing it's malicious, then they will run it.

The arguments in favor of automatic quarantine because of human error don't cut it, IMHO. In the end it's all about a balance between a protected system VS bricked system/applications. :argh:

I just hope we won't see more Google Chrome fiascoes... be with with itself or another application automatically removed.

I personally would prefer to set my relatives with a default action of alerting, and have the option to send me an e-mail with a log. All this should be password protected. (I actually happen to know they would come to me if their antimalware finds an infection. lol)

The thing is, with 99% of people you either decide to automatically delete whatever the antivirus/antimalware deems to be malicious and face with the consequences (a bricked system/application), or you set it to alert the user, and also face the consequences (a bricked system/application).

There's no win, after all. :o ;D

[FrankPU]

-{ Quote: "Discussion on MSE default settings. -> http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_start/default-actions-missing-from-microsoft-security/05f4ef12-f0ef-4dab-b4f2-22bcc6132a04?page=1&tm=1323469743944" }-

Thank you for the link :thumb: Another important issue in my opinion are the real-time options

Greetings

[ronjor]

Here's the link you provided FrankPU. -{ Quote: "In the MSE forums there is debate and complaints http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_start/power-users-will-be-disappointed-with-new-beta/fa1aabd7-08eb-4a65-acd3-8c3e52569de0" }-

[FrankPU]

-{ Quote: "Here's the link you provided FrankPU." }-

Thanks for your courtesy :)

[STV0726]

I see you guys have found the thread I started, "Power Users Will Be Disappointed with Beta."

Obviously I am in agreement that it is becoming overly simplified.

You can tell by my overly long posts. :)

[Mops21]

Hi all

Microsoft Security Essentials leicht auszuschalten?

http://www.drwindows.de/windows-news/50400-microsoft-security-essentials-leicht-auszuschalten.html

[skokospa]

-{ Quote: "-http://www.thewindowsclub.com/download-review-microsoft-security-essentials-4" }-

strange;D

[Ibrad]

Wepawet it also detecting the URL to be suspicious at the moment.

According to Trend Micro it does seem to be pointing to something suspicious

[funkydude]

Probably an ad?

[Ibrad]

Doing a Wepawet does not show it as an ad but a script/url from the web page.

[ronjor]

Modified the links just in case.

[Brocke]

-{ Quote: "strange;D" }-


I went to the site and Avast Network Shield said it blocked malware. odd

[Ibrad]

After talking to them on twitter it seems they have fixed the problem.

[STV0726]

I can comment that an MCC from the Microsoft Answers forum says that it will be released in the next few weeks, and he said that like two weeks ago now. So it should be coming soon.

[m00nbl00d]

MSE v4 was upgraded to a new beta version.

And, look what it brought back:

[BoerenkoolMetWorst]

Ah, much better :thumb:

[funkydude]

That wasn't always there? Also, WTF is MAPS? You didn't notice that?

edit: Never mind, it's just "Microsoft Active Protection Service" shortened to an acronym in the menu. The feature formally known as Microsoft Spynet.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "][bThat wasn't always there?[/b] Also, WTF is MAPS? You didn't notice that?

edit: Never mind, it's just "Microsoft Active Protection Service" shortened to an acronym in the menu. The feature formally known as Microsoft Spynet." }-

No, it wasn't. One of the new v4 features was that it was going to decide for the user. Bad approach. It's not like there are any false positives... ::)
They finally decided to listen to users feedback. :-X

[STV0726]

Dang you beat me to it. I wanted to be the bearer of good news... :-D

[STV0726]

Major update on Beta of Microsoft Security Essentials v4...

Thanks to several users' threads started on Microsoft Answers, Microsoft finally realized they were making a poor, and frankly risky move. I was one of the loud complainers; my threads were more protests than standard feedback. Perhaps it paid off...

Automatic malware remediation...good. Forcing it...bad.

A lot of people were concerned about this so I figured I'd make a new thread to share with you that Default Actions is back!

Also worth noting is while it is the same GUI/option wise, it is improved. In the current MSE if you set your Default Actions and check "Apply automatically..." that still does NOT automatically remediate. It still prompts; all that means is if you don't provide a response it does it for you in time.

Now, you set your default response to different threat levels, and to have those automatically applied, you check the box at the bottom. Now when you check that though, if a threat is found, it brilliantly gives you no prompt and just the little green popup at the bottom telling you "Threats being cleaned: no action needed".

Perfect. Woot.

I will continuously check to see when the final release is it out (which I hope is soon) and when it is report it here.

[jmonge]

:thumb:

[shoe]

4.0.1512.0 today

[Daveski17]

Is this the preview version?

[JohnBurns]

I upgraded to MSE Version 4 Beta and so far it's running smoothly - no problems. Previous minor things happening in Version 2 (insignificant event errors) have been corrected and so far, version 4 is great, particularly for someone that doesn't want to "mess" with their antivirus program daily. I previously had avast 6 (Pro) and was happy with it, however, due to problems with version 7, I uninstalled it and started using MSE again. If MSE 4 continues the way it has over the past few days, I am a pleased user. It is very user friendly and requires very little user attention.

[simisg]

where is the download?