Yesterday, Microsoft released the final version of its new security software dubbed Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft Security Essentials provides users real-time protection that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Microsoft’s previous  subscription-based service One Care was discontinued and Microsoft elected to offer a free solution. As such Microsoft Security Essentials is available as a free download from Microsoft, it’s an easy to use and it is simple to install. Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your PC the way you want, without the pesky interruptions or long wait times as some of the other PC security software on the market today.

Microsoft Security Essentials will be updated automatically so that you do not need to worry about checking for updates. The system requirements are as follows:

Minimum system requirements for Microsoft Security Essentials

Operating System:

Genuine Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3)

Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2)

Windows 7

NOTE: For Windows XP, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 500 MHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.

NOTE: For Windows Vista and Windows 7, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.

VGA display of 800 × 600 or higher.

140 MB of available hard disk space.

An Internet connection is required for installation and to download the latest virus and spyware definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials.

Internet Browser:

Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.

Microsoft Security Essentials also supports Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. For more information see the system requirements for Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Finally, you may download Microsoft Security Essentials from Microsoft via the link below.

Download: Microsoft Security Essentials