Microsoft released a beta version update to their Security Essentials anti-malware software package this week, promising users some improvements over the previous version.
Security Essentials was originally released for Windows users last September as Microsoft’s first attempt at providing their own protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious attacks against their operating systems.
In contrast to the first version of Security Essentials, which was a basic, stand-alone program that simply scanned files on a user’s computer, the beta release integrates more closely with Windows Firewall and Internet Explorer. Users will now have the option to disable the firewall during setup of the program, and will also have real-time protection against web-based threats.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users will also have a new network inspection system that can prevent against network attacks. XP users do not get this benefit, as it requires the Windows Filtering Platform to run.
Perhaps my favorite Security Essentials enhancement is an updated anti-malware engine that is supposed to provide better detection and cleanup of threats. Computers in my household have had a few nasty exploits find their way through the protection of Security Essentials this year, so this is definitely a very welcome improvement in my book.
Despite the few instances of malware that have found their way onto my computer during Security Essentials’ watch, I’ve been pleased overall with the performance of the software. The reason why I have kept on using it is the fact that it is considerably less intrusive and taxing on system resources than any other anti-malware software I’ve tried. Hopefully this version stays true in that respect.
You can download the Microsoft Security Essentials Beta 32-bit or 64-bit versions free at Microsoft’s Connect Page. The beta is available now for Windows users in the US, Israel, China, and Brazil until the allotted number of test spots are filled.
