Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), free antivirus software for Windows users, has been in beta for quite some time. Today, Microsoft has ripped the beta status off the software, making it widely available to the public.
Security Essentials is aimed at consumers who are content with free antivirus, but it could help businesses, especially those whose employees sometimes work on their personal computers. A no-no in many industries, but tolerated by many firms.
From Microsoft:
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple.
No new features were provided in the final release version. It provides antivirus and antspyware protection and removal. That’s it. Microsoft said it worked to keep the software light.
TechTarget ANZ has been using it overnight and found it has a nicely small impact on system performance, but seems to have trouble removing some malware.