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Now available for download from the connect site is the beta of the next version of Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0. 

What’s new in Security Essentials 2.0 Beta:


- Windows Firewall integration – Microsoft Security Essentials will ask if you would like to turn the Windows Firewall on or off during installation.

- Enhanced protection while browsing the Internet – Microsoft Security Essentials now integrates with Internet Explorer to provide additional protection against web-based threats.

- New protection engine – The updated, based on Forefront, anti-malware engine offers enhanced detection and cleanup capabilities with better performance.

- Network inspection system – Protection against network-based exploits.

 

Click here to visit the Microsoft Connect page to register for the Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 beta. 

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Looking for a comparison to other Anti-Virus Software, this is based on the current version 1.0

AV-Test Product Review and Certification Report - 2010/Q2

During the 2nd quarter of 2010 we have tested 19 security products in the areas protection, repair and usability. The "Protection" covers static and dynamic malware detection, including real-world 0-Day attack testing. In case of "Repair", we check the system disinfection and rootkit removal in detail. The "Usability" testing includes the system slow-down caused by the tools and the number of false positives. A product has to reach at least 12 points total in order to receive a certification. 13 products have fulfilled our requirements and received an AV-Test certificate.

Product  Report  Certified Score: 0.0 (worst) to 6.0 (best)
Protection  Repair  Usability 
Avast: Internet Security 5.0 102255 yes 3.5 4.0 5.0
AVG: Internet Security 9.0 102253 yes 5.5 4.0 5.0
Avira: Premium Security Suite 10.0 102247 yes 4.0 5.5 4.0
BitDefender: Internet Security Suite 2010 102274 yes 4.5 4.0 5.5
BullGuard: Internet Security 9.0 102276 no 3.5 4.0 3.0
Eset: Smart Security 4.2 102214 yes 3.5 5.0 5.0
F-Secure: Internet Security 2010 102209 yes 5.0 5.0 5.5
G Data: Internet Security 2010/2011 102239 yes 5.5 3.5 5.5
Kaspersky: Internet Security 2010 102248 yes 5.0 5.5 5.5
McAfee: Internet Security 2010 102260 no 5.0 2.0 3.5
Microsoft: Security Essentials 1.0 102237 yes 4.0 4.5 5.5
Norman: Security Suite 8.0 102245 no 2.0 4.5 3.5
Panda: Internet Security 2010 102211 yes 5.5 5.5 5.0
PC Tools: Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 7.0 102202 yes 5.0 4.5 3.5
Symantec: Norton Internet Security 2010 102270 yes 5.5 5.0 5.5
Trend Micro: Internet Security Pro 2010 102241 no 2.5 4.5 4.5
Webroot: Internet Security Essentials 6.1 102221 yes 3.5 4.5 4.0

The test reports can be found here: - http://www.av-test.org/certifications

 

Minimum system requirements for Microsoft Security Essentials

Operating System: Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3); Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2); Windows 7

  • For Windows XP, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 500 MHz or higher, and 256 MB RAM or higher.
  • For Windows Vista and Windows 7, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.
  • VGA display of 800 × 600 or higher.
  • 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.
  • Microsoft Security Essentials also supports Windows XP Mode in Windows 7.

Not familiar with Security Essentials – Check out my previous post at http://blogs.technet.com/b/uspartner_ts2team/archive/2010/08/30/microsoft-security-essentials.aspx.