How do I install and configure Microsoft Security Essentials It may be unfortunate, but the reality of the situation cannot be denied we live in a time where computer viruses, malware, spyware, Trojan horses, keyloggers, and other nefarious dangers are everywhere.Connecting a computer to a network, especially a network connected to the Internet, should never happen without at least the bare minimum of protections.Microsoft Security Essentials is a decent antivirus and antimalware application available for free from Microsoft.It integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system and takes up very little system resources.Installing Microsoft Security Essentials and running the required initial updates and configuration is relatively straightforward.This blog post is also available in PDF format in a free Tech.Republic download and in a Photo Gallery.Download. As you can see in Figure A, if your computer has no antivirus software, you will get some dire warnings in the Security Action Center.You navigate to the Security Action Center through the Control Panel.Figure AHeed dire warnings in the Security Action Center.Microsoft_Security_Essentials.png]];var lpix_1=pix_1.length;var p1_0= [[688' alt='Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Scan Free Download' title='Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Scan Free Download' />Download FREE AVG antivirus software.Get protection against viruses, malware and spyware.Easytouse virus scanner for PC, Mac mobile.Download TODAY. Latest bug fixes for Microsoft Windows, including fixes for some possible DoS attacks.We can fix these problems in one action, by downloading and installing Microsoft Security Essentials.The first thing to do is go to the Web site and start the download, as shown in Figure B.You should also uninstall any previously installed antivirus software to avoid conflicts.Figure BDownload the client.When the Microsoft Security Essentials download starts, click the Run button, as shown in Figure C.Figure CClick Run.The download and install is very quick.You wont even have time to go and get a cup of coffee Figure D.Figure DThe download happens in no time at all.Figure E shows Microsoft Security Essentials ready to install and explain what it is designed to do. Bluetooth Walkie Talkie Software Free Download here. Figure EMicrosoft Security Essentials is now ready to install.Of course, you will have to accept the licensing agreement Figure F and validate that your copy of the Windows operating system is genuine Figure G.Figure FAccept the license.Figure GValidate Windows.Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Scan Free Download' title='Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Scan Free Download' />The ready to install screen Figure H reminds you to uninstall previously installed antivirus applications.It would have been much timelier to have received this suggestion earlier as I suggested.Microsoft Safety Scanner is a scan tool designed to find and remove malware from Windows computers.Simply download it and run a scan to find malware and try to.Figure HFinally, youre ready to install.Update. Once Microsoft Security Essentials is installed Figure I, it will immediately update itself with the latest antivirus definitions Figure J.This is an important step, as new variations of viruses and malware are released into the wild on a daily basis.No matter which antivirus software you choose to use, always keep it up to date.Figure IMicrosoft Security Essentials is now installed.Figure JUpdate definitions.US/windows/microsoft-security-essentials-vist-7/large/microsoft-security-essentials-10-688x535.jpg' alt='Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Scan Free Download' title='Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Scan Free Download' />Once the updates are in place, my test PC goes from a red warning that my computer is at risk to a green declaration that my PC is protected, as you can see in Figure K.Figure KMy PC is now protected.As further proof, head back to the Security Action Center Figure L and check the status of my PC now.Figure LSecurity is back.Configure. From the main page of the Microsoft Security Essentials client application Figure M, you can see the status of your computers antivirus security and perform a manual scan.From the other tabs on this screen you can manually ask for virus definition updates and check the history of antivirus activity performed by the application.Figure MConfigure your computers antivirus secutiry on the main page.On the last tab Figure N, you can set a scheduled time to perform a Microsoft Security Essentials scan.The default is once a week, but you have flexibility to set the schedule to suit your needs.Figure NSet a scanning schedule.Bottom line. Whether you are an individual computer user or the manager of an entire department of Internet connected computers, the need for antivirus applications is very real.While Microsoft Security Essentials may be merely basic protection, it is an important first line of defense that can work for almost anyone or any organization.With the benefit of a clean install and tight integration with the Windows operating system, it is worth a look no matter how many computers are involved.Tech. Republics Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report newsletter, delivered every Friday, offers tips, news, and scuttlebutt on Vista and Windows 7, including a look at new features in the latest version of the Windows OS.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |