Microsoft Security Essentials

is this microsoft security essentials any good? i mean very good protection against viruses and malware?
i use avira on my laptop and norton on my second pc, but is it worth to install this microsoft security essentials and be protected as good as any other antivirus ?

 

it is good for virus/spyware but not for rootkits,check this video here
http://remove-malware.com/category/videos/

 

in this video it is also stated that none of the other tools the video's author used to remove rootkits, were able to detect that particular rootkit, except for DrWeb..n that too from a bootdisk.. doesn't mean MSE isn't any good against rootkits. Nothing is perfect but it is a great free alternative.

http://www.darkreading.com/insiderthreat/security/antivirus/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=220300706

 

I got a question that is probably basic but I'm confused.

I have Avira Professional anti-virus running real time. I like it and want to keep it. BUT, if I wanted to get MSE(64bit) to occasionally run a scan with it, could I do that?

I know that it's not good to run two antivirus applications at the same time, so if I wanted to do the above, how would I do it and/or is it even possible?

 

Last time I installed MSE it did not give me the option to install without real time protection so it would probably not work

 

If you can install MSE, disable the "Real Time Protection" in the settings window then you will only have Avira in real-time. If running the MSE scan, disable the Avira Guard at the same time.

However, I would only install 1 of these and look at a HIPS/Sandbox for a better layered approach.

 

Thanks guys. I guess I will hold off for now. My Avira license still has a ways to go. I was mainly just thinking how I could get a "second" opinion AV. Say, like an on-demand scan just for that second opinion. Considering my lack of expertise in installing/uninstalling programs, I probably should just wait until my Avira License runs out.

I do have Prevx running also, with Outpost Firewall.

My problem is I come on Wilders and see all these different products and want to try them. lol

I do appreciate the help. Thanks.

 

I would recommend HitMan Pro as a good backup scanner; 5 separate engines and you would not need to uninstall Avira.

You have a good layered defence already.

We all do

 

cherub we all have that temptation to try all sort of software here i am one with that addiction

 

Heaven help you.

 

Yeah, just one more little note. Before finding this forum, I was one of those guys that just thought there were two Anti-Virus Applications, Norton and Kaspersky. And didn't really know anything about firewalls,HIPS,backups,etc. lol

So, it's not a understatement that, while I get confused with some of the language here, this forum has been one of my great discoveries ever on the web. Really, really helped me learn what I know about security and still teaches me.

Not that anyone on here needs it, but just know I'm one of the guys that y'all have helped out immensely.

 

others disagree here

 

@trjam i also posted something similar to his response

 

Haven't installed MSE in a while, I've been using Avast 5. Are there any conflicts with Geswall? Or has anyone tried this combination.

 

You could try the two together but since MSE appears not to like most third-party software I would be surprised if the two happily co-exist.

It is still incompatible with DefenseWall for example.

 

I am using MSE with Returnil 2008 with no problems and have used it with Sandboxie. Too bad it won't work with Defensewall though. That would be a good combo. Overall I am very impressed with MSE.

 

Well im gonna try it out. I am on this kick with Geswall right now so maybe they will work out.

 

Keep us posted. Are you on XP or Vista/7?

 

MSE and Geswall will work together.

 

Personal experience?

 

Yep. As always.

 

Good to know

 

Keep in mind, that is for 32 bit systems. Might have a update on 64 bit Geswall soon.

 

I liked Geswall on XP but not with Vista/7 as you cannot use all of its bells and whistles due to UAC. For example, you cannot mark files trusted/ untrusted via the context-menu without disabling UAC.

 

I disabled UAC