I have been using Windows Security Essentials ever since it has
been launched. You may refer here for my First
look on WSE after a week of using it
To date, my impressions of WSE has been really good. It doesn't
bother you unnecessarily (No pop ups unless you have been
infected), it doesn't require much resource (running in the
background with real time protection) or use much resources (during
a scan).
It's simple, straight forward and does what it is designed to do -
protect your PC - no fanciful interface - no complicated
settings, just 4 main tabs - Main (scan) , Settings, History and
Update.
Yet, one should not judge this anti virus by it's looks. Being
simple and straight to the point it cuts down on it's installation
file (just 7mb), it installs in under 5 minutes (on a verified
Windows PC), the most potent thing about it would be beneath this
simplified interface - it's Malware detection and removal core.
Microsoft, I believe has designed it especially for the average
user in mind - an average user does not bother about security
settings ect.. they would just download it, install it and Wala~
This Anti virus software runs on great automation, doing what the
user installs it for - provide a secure PC.
Overally, it's a light but potent Anti Virus for your
PC and it provides more than adequate protection for an
average user - Thumb drive infections, Malware,Viruses, Warns of
websites that are potentially dangerous.
I'm not even close to being called an expert - I'm just an amateur
giving my opinions here. It's always best to consult those whose
jobs are solely on the testing on Anti viruses softwares.
Here's are the results from a report on malware removal and PC
performance with the specific AV done by Av comparatives (an
independent firm)
http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/removal/avc_removal_2009.pdf (Malware
removal)
http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/performance/performance_dec09.pdf (Performance
factors how it affects your pc)
There's also certification by Av-test.
http://www.av-test.org/certifications
In the links above you can do your comparisons with the brands of
software that are listed in this thread, from Avira, AVG and even
Norton before you make your choice.
You know, when I first noticed the option "Start the scheduled
scan only when my computer is on but not in use", it made me wonder
for a while if it's possible for a PC to be in use when it's off.
Then I was like, "Oh, it's Microsoft."
So yea, MSE is pretty much idiot-proof. Everyone, please use it.
It's free.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/