Insomnic Dreams

Microsoft has just released their own antivirus and malware software called Security Essentials. It provides free anti-virus and spyware protection and cleaning for Windows XP/Vista/7 computers. This software supercedes the previous Windows Defender software that was Microsoft’s previous anti-malware application – but it didn’t have virus protection.

I’ve been a big proponent of using free antivirus solutions (such as AVG and AntiVir) and Microsoft’s entry does seem like a very good option. It ties in well with the OS and first reports show it is just as effective as any other scanner out there.

For a detailed rundown on Microsoft Security Essentials, check out the Ars Technica review.

Be aware that anti-virus scanners don’t play well together so you’ll want to disable or remove any other anti-virus programs before installing Microsoft Security Essentials.

gHacks has presented a McAfee document detailing some of the worst search terms which will result in malware. This document is worth checking out to be sure you don’t perform these searches without some protection. Some of these safe sounding searches can really get you in trouble:

• lyrics
• myspace
• screensavers
• twilight

Check out the gHacks article for a complete list and a run down of why these terms are so targeted.