David Flynn24 June 2009, 8:04 PM
Now in public beta phase, Microsoft Security Essentials will not only replace the OneCare security suite but also deep-six Windows Defender.
Microsoft has finally wheeled its ‘Morro’ security software out of the workshop, with a new name and a public download.
Microsoft Security Essentials has gone live online, albeit in beta format, ahead of the product’s expected final release in October alongside Windows 7.
The UI is a predictably clean and simple affair with big tabs, icons and clearly-marked buttons.
MSE is a pared-back version of OneCare with a primary focus on detecting and defending against malware such as viruses, spyware, worms, rootkits and trojans.
However, Microsoft has said that the freebie will also replace it Windows Defender spyware sniffer.
Users who fetch the fresh-baked beta download are advised that “Microsoft Security Essentials is designed to disable Windows Defender in order to manage the PC’s real-time protection” and while Microsoft Security Essentials doesn’t currently “disable Windows Defender, it will in a later version of the beta”.
The menu bar glows green when all’s right with your PC, amber for cautionary alerts and red when a threat is detected.
MSE will remain as a download-only offering after its final release in order to avoid incurring the wrath of the EU and other anti-monopoly watchdogs, although it will also be made available to OEMs for pre-install on new PCs.
However, given that security vendors pay PC builders to pre-load their trialware, we don’t expect to see MSE widely displacing the likes of Norton or McAfee trial editions any time soon.
MSE is available for Windsows XP, Vista and 7 in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, but Microsoft is pegging the downloads of this first beta to 75,000 copies.