Can anyone tell me if Microsoft Security Essentials is sufficient anti-virus for my computer? I have a new computer and the Windows Defender keeps telling me that I need an anti-virus program. I had AVG on my old computer and it was fine but I do like Essentials and would like to keep it if it works. Thanks

lyndal,

Strictly my opinion, of course, but I'd depend on Microsoft Security Essentials only as a backup if, for any reason, my antivirus program goes down. I have both Sunbelt's Vipre and Malwarebytes running.

Gil.

lyndal, I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials for about 6 months now and I like it a lot. Got rid of AVG as it was getting too intrusive and seemed to be running constantly. MSE does not rank as the best free anti-virus out there, but if you practice safe computing, it's fine.

I believe that last comparison I read in one of my computer magazines said that of the free ones, Avast was the best. I know at the computer repair shop where my son is doing an internship, they use Avast and Malwarebytes. The owner said that works just as well as Norton...

EDIT: An interesting article by Ed Botts at ZDNet... Free Antivirus Outperformed Paid

Thank you Draclvr,I really like it too. I will add Malwarebytes. Also, thanks Gil for your input.
Lynda