How-To Geek

Like many people here, I am a fan of Microsoft Security Essentials, and use it as my primary anti-virus program, in combination with Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware.

Last night I was reading the forums of another tech site which I frequent and was very surprised to see an article regarding the latest test scores (Nov/Dec 2012) from the independent av-test-org showing the results which places MSE at the low end in the areas of protection and cleaning efficiency.

Out of a possible high score of 6.0, Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 scores 6.0 and 5.5 respectively - while Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 scores 5.5 and 5.5 in those two areas.

However, out of a possible 6.0 high, the scores for Microsoft: Security Essentials are - 1.5 for "Protection" and 3.0 for "Repair".

I'm certainly not an expert on the comparisons or preferences of one anti-virus software over another - however I found this information a bit surprising - and somewhat disconcerting as well.

Since MSE is often recommended by the moderators and experienced geeks here, I would be very interested to hear anyone's thoughts, reactions and opinions. I don't mean to start another "Which is the best anti-virus" thread - but more specifically - how does one explain the poor test scores for MSE ?

Here's the link where you can view the detailed results of all the tests:

http://www.av-test.org/en/test.....vdec-2012/

Mike -

Thank you very much for your considered reply and explanation.

I too use both the professional versions of SAS and MBAM (Having won free licenses during past holiday "Giveaway" events on other sites).

I have seen MSE prevent me from downloading a suspicious file - also received a false positive regarding one of Nir Sofer's handy utilities. I also have it configured to run a "Quick Scan" every morning, after downloading and installing the day's new definitions file.

Also, I am always relieved on those few occasions where MBAM will prevent me from accessing a website it deems to be malicious. I run a complete scan using all three programs about once a month, and try to be vigilant and pay attention when I'm browsing unfamiliar territories - because, no matter how high your anti-virus scores may be - there is no protection for stupid.

So far I have been lucky, and will continue to rely on those three programs for protection. But it did surprise me to see those scores - but actually you pretty much validated my own thoughts on the issue.

Thanks again.

- Howard

From the problems I've observe on the Forum, all A/Vs except for MSE or Defender have a Heavy Foot Print, Slow Machines Down, Cause Conflicts With Other Software, Can be Costly and for the most part are Very Hard to Uninstall if they can be at all.

As for systems that get infections, the only way to really fix the problem is a Clean Install or Re-Image as there is no software that can fix Windows except original Windows itself.

With that being said, I'll take my chances with Free MS Software and System Backup Images.

http://www.howtogeek.com/forum.....?replies=5

If people want to add another layer of protection and prevention they can use Comodo Secure DNS servers...this will prevent them or warn them they are about to land on an attack site: http://www.comodo.com/secure-dns/switch/

With reference to the OP, I agree with the consensus here and the additional use of MBAM and SAS...I might add Macrium or other imaging utility as well. Coupled with sensible browsing behavior i think this about as much as one can do without getting overly stressed about it. The other thing is don't keep your data with the OS in C:. This latter thing is what causes the most stress because their stuff is IN the infected system...if it wasn't there they've just got an infected system and have much less to worry about that a reinstall or re-image can't solve.

MSE is maybe weak on zero-day attacks and malware removal. It is the very nature of these attacks to exploit unknown weaknesses that can only be plugged AFTER the event...I don't see how an antivirus can invariably detect every instance. As for the relatively poor removal statistic that's what MBAM and SAS EXCEL at...no AV is better than these two at removal. MSE is a DETECTION tool and all three together make a GREAT TEAM. I think we, on the whole, recommend a sound strategy and suite for the average user.

Irv

MSE checks downloads and attachments too.

Tony

@LF, I'm on Medicare, does that answer your question <VBG>

@Tony, yes, it does, but some do not. Me, I'm all for an INTEGRATED SUITE, that includes more than A/V, like FireWall, constant updating, etc., but it does come with some overhead I do not use, like Parental Controls. Some 'utilities' included as well. Right now I'm using Norton's ISS 2013, and for comparison, my wife has McAfee's ISS 2013 that came with her computer (15 month license). Although both of our individual computers are fast (Intel i7's) and have 8GB's of RAM and SSD's for the OS, McAfee is more 'annoying' sometimes, Norton others. Problem is if you turn off those features you might be sorry later. Norton's is possibly the 'worst' telling me I have to APPROVE using the program, why? Because NOT many people are using it... pain in the butt for some beta testing I'm doing. BTW, W8's SmartScreen seems to agree with Norton, I see that first (and it is trickier as you must click on 'more info' to see allow, otherwise all you can do is cancel) and then the Norton warning, with equally annoying way to approve it.

With today's modern processors and disk drives, load factor from any A/V or suite generally isn't a problem, especially if you are not doing much and have enough RAM. I remember in the 'old days' when I'd see (or do) a demo of an OS or program and it was running like lightning. Users didn't have the same experience. For instance we have a computer club here, and one day people were asking about 'protection' (back in the day of Pentium II's) and one guy told people he could get suites for 1/2 price what stores sell them. He was taking orders... and what did he get people, 2 year old suites which were good licenses for updates. Only problem, in those days the engines were not that good and were not updated, only the signature files were. A friend who got one called me as her machine was like molasses, old technology (s/w) on old h/w do not mix.

Here is some links for 'How to Lie with Statistics' for your reading enjoyment BTW :

http://www.robelle.com/smugbook/stats.html
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/stat3.html
$6.15 USD if you want to buy the book.
http://www.physics.smu.edu/pseudo/LieStat/

Irv S.

Irv -

I am a huge fan of SpywareBlaster and have been using it since Windows XP.

I've heard some people say it really doesn't do that much for Windows 7 (and later) - and would be interested in your thoughts on that.

However I still have it and update it regularly. And - if I'm not mistaken - you can opt pay a small fee which will activate the automatic updates function.

- Howard

Straspey,

Spywarebaster stores known "bad" websites in the registry and and will not let the system interact with the sites no matter what version of Windows is running.

Open regedit and and use the "find function" to look up the "F" word.

When it finds the word, go up and down the list of registry keys to see the 100s, maybe 1000s, of "bad" sites the computer is protected from.

They all do not have the "F" word but I use this for an easy example to get to the registry keys.

Good to know, raphoenix... would be nice if society at large can take this in the same way.

@ Irv -

You said - "Spywarebaster stores known "bad" websites in the registry and and will not let the system interact with the sites no matter what version of Windows is running."

So - does that mean if I were to remove and uninstall Spywareblaster from my system (I have the Pro version of Revo) - would that also remove all those entries in the registry as well ? Just curious.

Thanks !

@Straspey,

I don't know because I've never used Revo.

Always felt that If a program needs Revo for un-installing, then best I Restore the complete system from an Image File made before the program was installed.

Remember I run Multi drive systems so I keep current duplicate files such as Mail PST files on other drives for quick import if I have to Re-Image.

Computing is like flying, one has to think ahead of the aircraft and immediate task at hand. :)

Rick P.