Microsoft has released the an updated Antimalware Engine 1.1.7000.0 for its free security solution “Microsoft Security Essentials v2.1” for Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. In this regard, there are two installers (32bit and 64bit) are being made available at Download Center.
Maximum PC: After more than 12 years of service, Microsoft finally pulled the plug on Windows XP by ceasing to support the operating system last week. However, Microsoft did promise to keep doling out updates for its Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) software, including the version that runs on XP, but in doing so, the Redmond outfit only made things worse. That's because the latest MSE update is causing some XP machines to freeze up and run slow.
Maximum PC: "Microsoft Security Essentials has done it again. For the second time since its inception, the free antivirus software from Microsoft finds itself without German security and antivirus research outfit AV-TEST’s seal of approval, having failed in the latest of the firm’s bimonthly certification tests."
Let's be honest, it's a bi-monthly test, and it only failed it twice since it was created. So it's not too bad.
PCWorld: "Microsoft's popular free antivirus program Security Essentials has put in a mediocre showing in the latest quarterly tests from German test outfit AV-Test.org, finishing second bottom out of 22 products."
I'm disappointed that Avast! scored so low, although still getting a 5.5 in usability.
