As you all know, Microsoft released a beta of its free antivirus and antispyware utility today once code named 'Morro'. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free product for Windows 7, Vista and XP customers. Back in 2006 Microsoft introduced its security service suite Windows Live OneCare. Microsoft recently decided that they would discontinue Live OneCare in June 2009 and replace it with Security Essentials. Based on Microsoft's own Forefront 2.2 enterprise security technologies, the aim of Security Essentials is to provide an economically friendly way to encourage protecting your Windows PC. A lot of computer users who buy a new PC often get a free trial period version of popular security utilities. When they expire, the user tends to not purchase a full license but continue using the expired software. There are persons who out right consciously decide they are not going to purchase additional security software. For users like that, Microsoft has an answer, its called Security Essentials.

So, its free, but there are other free Antivirus products out there such as Free AVG and countless others? Microsoft does not have a problem with that, they are not competing with either commercial or free Antivirus products. The focus of Security Essentials is for those persons who do not have any security software installed on their Windows systems at all or don't keep security software updated.

Installing Microsoft Security Essentials (click image to enlarge)

Installation

Quick and easy is how I would describe the installation process. I was very surprised at how small the setup file is too. For persons on a slow Internet Connection, downloading Security Essentials will be a breeze. The 3.7 MB executable for Windows Vista and 7 x64 is the smallest out of all the platforms its available for, which range from 4.7 to 7 MBs. The install wizard requires that you have a genuine installation of Windows before you can install the software. Security Essentials encourages that you remove any currently installed Antivirus and AntiSpyware products before installing it as this can result in conflicts and performance issues. I already had Kaspersky beta for Windows 7 installed. I was still allowed to install MSE and I was able to remove Kaspersky after installation. MSE also disables the bundled Windows Defender AntiSpyware utility that comes with Windows 7 and Vista. After completing the installation, you can immediately download signature updates and scan your PC for malicious software.

Microsoft Security Essentials user interface

Anything special

Just like most Antivirus utilities, Microsoft Security Essentials scans your PC's hard disk, other storage devices and main memory to detect viruses and spyware and also deletes or quarantines them. It scans disk drives for signature characteristics strings by known viruses. Security Essentials also looks for suspicious behavior, such as attempts to erase or alter areas of your system. The interface is a very slick presentation that provides a cohesive tabbed layout of activities, history and settings, which is quite similar to Windows Defender if you have ever used it. I was hoping that the software though would display information like how old the Antivirus and AntiSpyware signatures were since they were last updated although the software indicated clearly that it needed an update based on a orange banner and computer display icon. I was also informed by Action Center in Windows 7 that the program is out of date.

Checking for virus and spyware definitions

Microsoft Security Essentials indicating its Updated

I noticed that Security Essentials refused to give me access to both History and Settings area of the utility. I suspect this is to prevent malicious programs from infiltrating the program and disabling it. Once I successfully updated MSE, I was granted access to those areas of the utility. Updating MSE is clearly emphasized with tips about why it is important to do so. For a new computer user, this definitely takes the complexity out of using security software with well explained information. Concerning updating, I hope Microsoft provides an online repository similar to Symantecs SARC where I can manually download the latest definition files and apply them on PC's that might not have reliable Internet access with MSE installed, especially for persons who might be on slower connections, this will be a handy convenience.

Running a Scan, a screenshot of MSE's memory usage in Task Manager (right)
(Click image to enlarge)

Microsoft should add a tab specifically for scanning, I notice the Scan execution is not well thought out and might trigger some sense of confusion. I would like a Custom Scan area with Scan tab that allows me to select the drives that I want to scan, instead of me clicking Custom, click Scan and it brings up a separate dialog. I notice when I select 'Full Scan' and click 'Scan' it scans the system partition first. I am currently running Windows 7 on a logical partition, I would prefer if MSE scans that first or ask me, would you like to scan these drives too.

The History tab provides a centralized location for managing malicious threats

Users can also take advantage of options such as contextual scan menu in Windows Explorer shell for on the fly scanning of folders and drives. I notice that MSE's Help Menu features an option to upgrade the program which suggest that the latest version of the utility can be easily kept updated and easy to install all from within the program.

Settings area for Security Essentials

Maintenance and Configuration

MSE integrates nicely with Windows 7's Action Center Security area, providing centralized links to quickly update the program without having to do so through the utility itself. Security Essentials Settings are organized into a well thought out list of options and settings that allows the user to easily customize the the utilities functionality. A list view of options include the following:

Scheduled scan: Here you schedule when you would like MSE to scan your PC for threats in addition to checking for virus and spyware definitions.

Default actions: Lets you decide how to handle detected threats, by letting you define the default action for each alert level such as Severe, High, Medium, or Low.

Real-time protection: Alerts you when viruses, spyware or other potentially unwanted software attempts to install itself or run your computer.

Excluded files and locations: When you run a scan or use real-time protection, you can exclude certain files and locations.

Excluded file types: You can exclude certain file types. Excluding certain file types can help speed up the scan, but may leave your computer less protected.

Excluded processes: Allows you to exclude certain processes that run on your PC, examples include .cmd, .bat, .pif, .scf, .exe, .com or .scr.

Advanced: Provides a wide grouping of options for scanning archived files such as .ZIP and .CAB. You can optionally choose to scan removable drives (unchecked by default). Apply a system restore point before applying actions to detected items and allow users with limited privileges on the PC to view Detected items in the History tab.

Microsoft SpyNet: Just like Windows Defender, MSE includes support for Microsoft's online community for responding to potential threats.

Once installed Security Essentials will disable Windows Defender if its installed

Scanning Experience

Scanning your computer is probably a very mundane task. As with Security Essentials, there is no glitz or glamour, its quite reminiscent of using Windows Defender. I notice that when I started scanning a 2 GB USB Thumb drive, the system started feeling sluggish. Although I understand that this is still a beta, it was quite noticeable and I started hearing my computer fan spinning up loudly. I checked Task Manager to see how much memory MSE was consuming and I was quite surprised by how little it was, a total of 4 MBs. The scanning process took approximately 11 mins to complete. I went ahead and did a scan of my local disk which took approximately 40 mins (20 GBs). Overall its good and the memory usage is quite impressive.

Conclusion

What I like most about Microsoft Security Essentials apart from being free is the focus on simplicity with substance. The interface features a clean, well organized design that's easy to work with and maintain. Integration with Windows technologies like Security Center in XP/Vista and Action Center in Windows 7 will provide the cohesive experience that users expect from security utilities such as this. When combined with Windows 7's rich suite of security technologies already built in such as UAC, DEP, Patch Guard, Safe Unlinking and ASLR, users will certainly enjoy an even more complete security experience. Its early days yet, but Microsoft is doing something I believe that's right for both Windows and its user base. Personally, I wouldn't mind if Windows came with a program like Security Essentials already built in. With a strong brand identity behind it and I am sure strong marketing, this will encourage users to ensure that their Windows PC is protected.

Availability

Microsoft is providing Security Essentials as a limited beta open to 75,000 potential testers in the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Israel (English only), People’s Republic of China (Simplified Chinese only) and Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese only).

Related

Download Microsoft Security Essentials Link should be live at 12 ET
Introducing 'Microsoft Security Essentials'
Microsoft Windows Defender Beta 2 Preview

Resources

Security Changes to AutoRun in Windows 7
Windows Security Blog: Windows 7 Security: Helping Enable the Mobile Workforce
Windows Team Blog: Windows 7: A New Approach to Securing Today’s Enterprise
Enhanced Security features in Windows 7

Messenger81What a coincidence? Back in May I wrote a Clubhouse story about my favorite application I cannot do without in response to a Clubhouse suggestion by Technogran. I thought, why not just republish it? Well here it is again, take 2, my 'Messenger 10th Anniversary Story' with some screenshots.

This is a difficult question simply because of the richness of the Windows Ecosystem. I run a variety of applications on Windows that I use almost everyday, whether its Microsoft Word, Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 V2, Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Media Player 11. But when I try to think about it from a fundamental point of view, some of those applications I mentioned are not detrimental, because they are available on the majority of PC's that run Windows. So, what is that one app I just cannot do without? The app that triggers some weird paranoia, anxiety moments if I don't have access to it on a daily basis? I thought about this carefully and looked at my usage patterns and management of the application itself. So, I would conclude that Windows Live Messenger is my must have, can't do without, can't cope without it application of them all.

Why is it so important to me?

Windows Live Messenger to me is my line of communication, just like my cellular phone, I am able to stay in touch with many friends and family. Windows Live Messenger goes beyond the traditional PC, just the other night, I saw my brother come online and I we started a chat session. I broke the ice, saying, 'you are up rather late tonight', he replied, 'I'm at work'. I asked 'where', he said at a 'Cell' tower. 'So late?' and 'how are you getting Net access?' I asked. He said from his Blackberry phone (he works for a Cellular carrier, so he is on stand by 24 hours). This particular scenario for me shows how powerful and connected Windows Live Messenger is, not necessarily the connection which could be EDGE or 3G, but the anytime, anywhere, almost any device experience Windows Live Messenger provides. In addition to being a connected platform, I have formed some life long friendships through Messenger over the years, to the point I have gotten the chance to meet persons face to face I got to know through Windows Live Messenger. One of the things I have discovered that others have agreed with is the ice breaker experience it provides. Being able to get to know persons over a long period of time from around the world establishes a trust and comfort when that opportunity arrives to actually meet in person. I remember traveling abroad and my only form of contact was through Windows Live Messenger being able to utilize features such as voice and video allowed me see my family and them to see me - all with the help of a free Wi-Fi connection.

How long have I been using Windows Live Messenger?

My first experience with Instant Messaging was MSN Messenger 2.2 that came with Windows Millennium Edition back in 2000. I was a bit scared at first, since it was a new experience for me, but I adjusted quite fast to this new way of communication when I discovered a few friends from high school were also using the service. I have upgraded to every version ever since and have enjoyed the fast pace level of innovation the platform has delivered with each release along with the opportunities to know so many wonderful persons and cultures from around the world. Here is a list of some the countries I have gotten to know people from:

Australia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, USA, France, Germany, Pakistan, United Kingdom, China, India (and many others I am sure I can't remember). Its quite amazing when you can say, ' I know a person or two from these fascinating lands and one of the engaging experiences that makes Windows Live Messenger such a worthy and powerful application/service for me.

Just the other night I was going through some old folders on my hard disk and I discovered some old beta screenshots of Windows Live Messenger 8.0 beta I took when it just came out. This was the first version of Messenger to embrace the 'Live' moniker.

Windows Live Messenger 8.1 - 2006

Windows Live Messenger 8.0 beta - December 2005

Along with that, here are some older versions of Messenger from yester-years.

Here is a screenshot of MSN Messenger 7.5 from August 2005

MSN Messenger 7.0 showing integration MSN Spaces - December 2004 click to enlarge

MSN Messenger Service 2.2 came bundled with Windows ME - circa 2000

I am sure I have some other screenshots of Messenger versions 4, but I will probably have to look on some old back-up disk. Here are some concepts of Messenger that I also found, its amazing the stuff I have stored on my hard disk:

Concepts that were being thought up for future versions of Messenger - circa 2004 click to enlarge

Here is one of those random but interesting conversations I have had over the years.

Yahoo! Messenger

Every now and then I try out Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger's main rival in the IM field, but I have discovered quickly that I know limited group of contacts who use the service. In fact, the majority of my 313 Windows Live Messenger contacts are mostly Hotmail, MSN or Live members. With the release of Windows Live Messenger 8.1, Microsoft in partnership with Yahoo! integrated support for Live Messenger users to communicate with Yahoo! Messenger users on their respective services. Apart from being able to chat with Yahoo! contacts, Windows Live Messenger delivers some unique enhancements that makes it the best platform for instant Messaging, features such as photo-sharing, personalized theming capabilities, integration with Windows Live products and services, ability to sign into multiple locations and devices make it best choice for me and the must have application on all the computers I use. Messenger has seen some evolutionary changes over the years, some that focus on integration with the Windows OS, some with services and others that were more about introducing new ways of interacting your friends. The Messenger Teams rapid pace of development and innovation is just exceptional and I would like give them a big thank you for all the great releases and I am looking forward to many more!

Resources

Instant and Social Communication with Windows Live Messenger 9

This is a difficult question simply because of the richness of the Windows Ecosystem. I run a variety of applications on Windows that I use almost everyday, whether its Microsoft Word, Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 V2, Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Media Player 11. But when I try to think about it from a fundamental point of view, some of those applications I mentioned are not detrimental, because they are available on the majority of PC's that run Windows. So, what is that one app I just cannot do without? The app that triggers some weird paranoia, anxiety moments if I don't have access to it on a daily basis? I thought about this carefully and looked at my usage patterns and management of the application itself. So, I would conclude that Windows Live Messenger is my must have, can't do without, can't cope without it application of them all.

Why is it so important to me?

Windows Live Messenger to me is my line of communication, just like my cellular phone, I am able to stay in touch with many friends and family. Windows Live Messenger goes beyond the traditional PC, just the other night, I saw my brother come online and I we started a chat session. I broke the ice, saying, 'you are up rather late tonight', he replied, 'I'm at work'. I asked 'where', he said at a 'Cell' tower. 'So late?' and 'how are you getting Net access?' I asked. He said from his Blackberry phone (he works for a Cellular carrier, so he is on stand by 24 hours). This particular scenario for me shows how powerful and connected Windows Live Messenger is, not necessarily the connection which could be EDGE or 3G, but the anytime, anywhere, almost any device experience Windows Live Messenger provides. In addition to being a connected platform, I have formed some life long friendships through Messenger over the years, to the point I have gotten the chance to meet persons face to face I got to know through Windows Live Messenger. One of the things I have discovered that others have agreed with is the ice breaker experience it provides. Being able to get to know persons over a long period of time from around the world establishes a trust and comfort when that opportunity arrives to actually meet in person. I remember traveling abroad and my only form of contact was through Windows Live Messenger being able to utilize features such as voice and video allowed me see my family and them to see me - all with the help of a free Wi-Fi connection.

How long have I been using Windows Live Messenger?

My first experience with Instant Messaging was MSN Messenger 2.2 that came with Windows Millennium Edition back in 2000. I was a bit scared at first, since it was a new experience for me, but I adjusted quite fast to this new way of communication when I discovered a few friends from high school were also using the service. I have upgraded to every version ever since and have enjoyed the fast pace level of innovation the platform has delivered with each release along with the opportunities to know so many wonderful persons and cultures from around the world. Here is a list of some the countries I have gotten to know people from:

Australia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, USA, France, Germany, Pakistan, United Kingdom, China, India (and many others I am sure I can't remember). Its quite amazing when you can say, ' I know a person or two from these fascinating lands and one of the engaging experiences that makes Windows Live Messenger such a worthy and powerful application/service for me.

Yahoo! Messenger

Every now and then I try out Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger's main rival in the IM field, but I have discovered quickly that I know limited group of contacts who use the service. In fact, the majority of my 313 Windows Live Messenger contacts are mostly Hotmail, MSN or Live members. With the release of Windows Live Messenger 8.1, Microsoft in partnership with Yahoo! integrated support for Live Messenger users to communicate with Yahoo! Messenger users on their respective services. Apart from being able to chat with Yahoo! contacts, Windows Live Messenger delivers some unique enhancements that makes it the best platform for instant Messaging, features such as photo-sharing, personalized theming capabilities, integration with Windows Live products and services, ability to sign into multiple locations and devices make it best choice for me and the must have application on all the computers I use.

Resources

Instant and Social Communication with Windows Live Messenger 9

So its official, I think? Microsoft is planning to build their own retail stores and brand. Its an interesting move taking into account the current global economy. But its still an important one because of the potential opportunity to interface with the Company’s customers. I thought of suggestions on what a brand experience should be in a Microsoft store.

• First of all, don’t call it the ‘Microsoft Store’, my suggestion for a retail brand is, the ‘Windows Live Style Store’. Get it? Windows is an ecosystem and the Windows brand is still powerful and should be something to build from for a consumer running Windows. The Live evokes a connection with the customer, that brand is the people who work at the store, the people who talk to customers, engage with them, help them answer questions, solve problems and help get the most out of their Windows PC.
  
• Showcasing the ecosystem. I know the Windows Live Style Store will have a lot of Microsoft branded software and hardware. But the great part of it is show casing the OEMs who make great hardware devices that utilize Microsoft software and technologies. It should be one of the first places to go to see the latest Netbook, Gaming PC, Tablet, Business PC’s, Consumer PC’s running Windows. Looking at Engadget is great, but getting to experience the devices first at the Windows Live Style Store will be even greater.
  
• Solutions, I mentioned the Windows Live Style store being a place where Windows users can go to get answers to their questions or solve their problems. I believe this is where building confidence in the brand will definitely come in. Users should be able to bring their Windows PC to the Live Style Store, have technical experts fix their Computer while they are educated about their PC and the great things they can do on it. Whether its learning about new products, getting working done or utilizing the consumer features of Microsoft services such as Windows Live Essentials.
  
• Live Projects and Scenarios. The store must be a place where you can come and do things. Microsoft should setup class room training, help customers, schools that have classes and need to get projects done. In fact, consulting should be one of the hallmarks, whether you want to get your school reports done, how to use Windows Movie Maker to create that great cinematic experience or how to start a small business.
  
• Entertainment. I think this is a key differentiator for Microsoft from Apple. Microsoft has the potential to draw customers into their store and the innovations exist to do it, the Surface, the XBOX 360 and Windows Live should be ways of expressing to customers the fun side of doing things on the Windows platform. Some of the key elements include Game Parties, where persons can come down to a Live Style store on the weekends and play on the XBOX’s, families can show off their home movies on big screen TVs in the store. Have local bands come and play at the store in Jam sessions. Really make it an experience. Connect with the users.

Am I thinking too big? Maybe! But I think Microsoft needs to stand out on the retail experiences. Its gotta be more than just having a store thats filled with Microsoft. Its gotta be a people place, a social experience, a way of showing the human side of Microsoft.