StarArthur
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Delray Beach, FL
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Microsoft Security Essentials


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The beta version of Microsoft’s long awaited antivirus software, codenamed Morro, is out and now the questions about Microsoft’s commitment to security will really fire up again.  Of course, if they were so committed to internet security, why don’t they fix IE and Windows instead of constantly patching them.  That is a different topic and I want to focus on Morro Microsoft Security Essentials – and how it will function as a free antivirus.  First of all, I have never been a fan of free antivirus software mostly because of the effort and expense that it takes for antivirus to stay up to date. I do not understand the business model of a free antivirus software but this isnt a business 101 class.

Morro is available in beta in the US, Israel and Brazil, as Israel is one of the research centers and Brazil is going to be one of their target markets.  Microsoft emphasizes that this is basic internet security, almost as if they are trying to lower the bar so we can’t be disappointed when it releases its full version at the end of 2009, possibly to coincide with the release of Windows 7 in October or November.

So let’s take a look at Morro and see what my initial thoughts are.  First, the product is about a 7.5Mb download and installs relatively quickly as compared to any other antivirus software products that I have tested so that part was very nice to see but I was very disappointed in the interface.  It was amateurish and very limited with tabs for Home, Update, History and Settings but in the end, I am not really sure we buy antivirus software (or get it free) for the interface.

So a few more thoughts on Microsoft Security Essentials – while I have not experienced a second update while working on the computer, the full system scan did not have a very negative effect on my computer usage but, that has been on very limited usage today (Morro beta has only been available for a few hours).  The other part is a little harder to describe but Morro feels cheap and while it is actually free, I really want to know that I am protected by my antivirus software. 

What I see as the biggest downside of Microsoft Security Essentials and their biggest hurdle is technical support.  Looking through their FAQs I see that much of the focus is on the interaction with other, antivirus and internet security products.  From my experiences with antivirus software and antivirus software companies, the biggest issue and the most frequent technical support inquiry is related to the interaction of the old, removed antivirus and the new one being installed.  Microsoft is providing almost no support for this product and that will be their biggest issue gaining widespread acceptance.

  StarReviews Top 3
AntiVirus Software
   
  1) The Shield Deluxe 2010
  2) BitDefender Antivirus '10
  3) Norton Antivirus 2010
   

Microsoft has clearly stated that their intent is to provide internet security to places around the world that do not tend to focus on security and this product may just do the trick.  Brazil is going to be one of their target markets, so free antivirus may be the way to go.  The cost of antivirus in the US has come down so dramatically that you can get a years worth of protection for $20 and that includes support so I see Microsoft having an uphill battle knocking off the  likes of Symantec and McAfee and many of the smaller but more aggressive players in the market.

I will check back in with you in a couple of  weeks after I have been kicking around Morro for a while.

 


    Tags: antivirus software
    posted 6/23/2009


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    Microsoft has officially released this product and it is getting so-so reviews. The real question is what is the benefit to Microsoft? Supporting antivirus isn't cheap. But they have a decent product and I am sure it will effect the market over time.

    Microsoft Security Essentials | Morro | Antivirus Software





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    AntiSpyware Software
    AntiVirus Software
    Apartment Rental Service
    Audio Bookstores
    Auto Insurance Website
    Auto Loan Website
    Baby Planning Website
    Background Check Services
    Blogging Website
    Business Credit Card
    Car Pricing Website
    Car Rental
    Catholic Dating
    Cellphone Company
    Christian Dating Website
    Club of the Month
    College Scholarship Website
    College Textbook Website
    Credit Card Processing Service
    Credit Report Website
    Custom T-Shirt Websites
    Data Recovery Software
    Dating Website
    Deal A Day Website
    Debt Consolidation
    Dental Insurance Websites
    Discount Inkjet Cartridge
    DVD Burning Software
    DVD Rental Website
    eMail Marketing Service
    Fantasy Sports
    Fixed APR Credit Card
    Flower Delivery Website
    Foreclosure Listing Website
    Freelance Website
    Game Rental Website
    Genealogy Software
    Genealogy Website
    Gift Basket Website
    Greeting Card Website
    Home Equity Loan
    Hotel Reservation Website
    Identity Theft Protection
    Internet Security Software
    Jewish Dating Website
    Job Search Website
    Low Interest Credit Card
    Message Board Service
    MMORPG
    Mortgage Refinance Loan
    Movie Download Website
    Movie Ticket Service
    Music Download
    No Annual Fee Credit Card
    Nutrition and Health Website
    Online Auction Website
    Online Backup Services
    Online Banking Website
    Online Bill Pay Website
    Online Bookstore
    Online College
    Online Diet Service
    Online Fax Services
    Online Jewelry Website
    Online Legal Website
    Online Perfume Store
    Online Shoe Store
    Online Sporting Goods Store
    Online Stock Trading Website
    Online Sunglass Store
    Online Ticket Service
    Paid Survey
    Parental Control Software
    Parenting Website
    Party Planning Website
    Payday Loan Website
    People Search Website
    Pet Supply Website
    Photo Printing Website
    Photo Sharing Website
    Pre-Paid Credit Card
    Press Release Distribution Service
    Real Estate Listing Website
    Registry Cleaner Software
    Resume Writing Service
    Search Engine Submission Website
    Self Publishing Website
    Single Parent Dating Website
    Stationery Website
    Stock Photography Website
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    Student Loan Website
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    Travel Reservations Website
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