Computer security should always be one of your top concerns.  Without proper security on your computer, you end up compromising your personal information, your data, and your computer performance, not to mention the fact that some security threats can spread quite quickly throughout your network.  For this reason, software developers have made numerous computer security programs to help in keeping your computer safe from viruses, malware, and other security threats.  In the past few months, Microsoft has been getting some good reviews for one of their computer security software packages, which is aptly named Microsoft Security Essentials.  This article will go over some of the basic features of Microsoft Security Essentials and why it is starting to make a name for itself in the antivirus software realm.

Background information on Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft has been planning and developing Microsoft Security Essentials ever since 2008.  In September of 2009, the initial release of the program was made available from the Microsoft website.  Today, the software has undergone a number of updates and it is now one of the few respected and well-received computer security software packages out there.  One of the best things about Microsoft Security Essentials is the fact that it is free and you can easily download it from the Microsoft site.  The software can be used on Windows XP-, Windows Vista-, and Windows 7-based computers. It provides comprehensive, effective, and efficient computer security.

Basic features of Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is a piece of software that gives you great security from viruses, spyware, and other forms of malicious software.  In fact, this software is so effective at computer security that it is certified by both ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs.  These are two of the major assessment and certification institutions that test 3rd party security products to provide end-users with the assurance that the products they use are effective.  The fact that Microsoft Security Essentials is certified by both of these organizations is proof that the program does a good job at providing real-time security, as well as effective search and removal of malware.

Aside from providing an effective security system for your computer, Microsoft Security Essentials is also a great choice because it is efficient and easy to use.  The program is able to run in the background, providing real-time protection without using up too much of your system's resources.  Furthermore, the interface of the software is simple, straight-forward, and easy to navigate and use.  Another great thing about this software is that you can ensure you will get great customer service and technical assistance considering that it comes straight from Microsoft, one of the leading, multi-national corporations in computer technology.  Effective, efficient, user-friendly, and free: what more can you ask for from a computer security software package?