Microsoft Security Essentials
A newer version of Microsoft Security Essentials is available.
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Full user review
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"MSE is the first thing Trojans & Viruses Attack"
Pros
Catches the light stuff. That's about it.
Cons
Easy target for severe malware. No web protection.
Summary
As soon as something bad is unwittingly downloaded from the web, the first thing it attacks is Windows Firewall and Security Essentials, and it's because Security Essentials doesn't detect these nasty marauders coming through the browser until it's too late. The best thing to do is forget about trying to save your OS. Just re-image your drive. It takes about 20 minutes, which is better than the hours it could take to scan your drive using several different antivirus software. Windows 7 has a nice System Repair/Recovery (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Back-up-your-programs-system-settings-and-files) feature that, for me, pretty much renders all antiviruses obsolete. Just make sure that your created image file is clean and has all the software you want on it.