Introducing Microsoft Security Essentials

By Richard Hay, on June 27th, 2009

Microsoft recently released a beta version of their entry into the Anti-Virus/Spyware arena – it is called Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). The initial release of the software was limited to just a few countries and 75,000 downloads total, which have now been surpassed so the downloads are closed now. Even those of us who got in on the initial download are unable to re-download the software so hopefully you saved a copy on your hard drive just in case.

Before I show you the installation screens here is the minimum system requirements for MSE Beta. Of course these may not be the final versions specs so buyer beware:

Minimum system requirements for Microsoft Security Essentials Beta

Operating System: Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3); Windows Vista; Windows 7 (Beta or Release Candidate)

For Windows XP, a Personal Computer with a:

CPU with clock speed of 500 MHz or higher

Memory: 256 MB RAM or higher

For Windows Vista and Windows 7, a Personal Computer with a:

CPU with clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher

Memory: 1 GB RAM or higher

VGA (Display): 800 x 600 or higher

Storage: 140 MB of available hard-disk space

An Internet connection is required for installation and to download the latest virus and spyware definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials.

Internet Browser:

Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later

It is a very small download – for the 32 bit version which I grabbed it was only 4.7MB. Right now MSE is only consuming 850KB of my RAM as well – quite a small footprint compared to other options in this area.

The installation screens are listed below in order of appearance:

The one area that will frustrate people and fault will be found with is the requirement to be running genuine Windows software. If your OS will not validate because of an issue and your genuine then contact Microsoft – they will help out. If you will not validate because your not using genuine Windows then I recommend you get genuine.

Richard Hay (3358 Posts)

Richard is the Owner of WindowsObserver.com and has been involved in tech for over 25 years. His first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then he used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and what you see here today is the result of the work he has continued on the site since 1995. In January 2010 his community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when he was awarded the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for Windows Desktop Experience. In January 2011 he was renewed as a Microsoft MVP but in a new category called Windows Expert - Consumer and in January 2012 he received the award for the third time.

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