Microsoft Security Essentials is slipping

I've used Microsoft Security Essentials as a decent antivirus for a while. Having cleaned computers for a few years already, I can tell you that none of the antiviruses out there are 100%. Some are better than others, most are merely adequate.

When clients ask me which antivirus I recommend, they are really asking, "which is the cheapest antivirus that does a fair job." Some of the popular free antivirus apps out there have performed dismally. I clean those out routinely.

I was impressed when Microsoft came out with OneCare, which has morphed into Security Essentials. Best of all, it's free. What I really like about MSSE is that it doesn't bog down your computer like the others. You can actually get some work done during a virus scan.

As far as the ability to catch threats, MSSE has done a good job. Lately, however, I've been cleaning computers in which MSSE doesn't even see the malware. Fortunately, I clean computers using a variety of tools for good measure. I'm disappointed that MSSE isn't doing as well as it used to.

I've been looking at other options, premium options, to recommend to clients.

Related articles

• About Microsoft Security Essentials (deurainfosec.com)
• Microsoft Security Essentials struggles in antivirus tests (infoworld.com)