Operating system, web browser, media player... Microsoft had everything covered, except for a security application. Until now, with the release of Microsoft Security Essentials.

After some months in beta stage, Microsoft has launched the final version of its security application, though I have to say Microsoft Security Essentials hasn't changed that much in the final release. It still features a simple, clear tabbed interface with four main areas in which the user can take a look at the system's security status, update virus and spyware definitions, check the history of previously detected items, and tweak the program's settings, respectively.

Microsoft Security Essentials includes three types of scan - quick, full, or customizable. They can be scheduled to run at a give time or particular location, and can be modified to work when the computer is not actually in use. Handily, Microsoft Security Essentials automatically updates its database, and is fully integrated with Windows Explorer and the Windows Firewall. It also boasts a system restore point, in case you need to undo any over-enthusiastic cleaning.

Microsoft Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at a standalone security application for home use. Given its simplicity and suitability for beginners, it probably isn't the best choice for more advanced users or professional network administrators, but for the average user, it covers all the bases. Bear in mind, however, that Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't disinfect files - it only deletes them in case of infection.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a gentle introduction to the sometimes complicated world of home computer security.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials 4.2.223.0 in Softonic

Featuring the same robust engine from previous versions, the new Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is one of the most powerful protection tools you can use to defend your system from viruses, worms, Trojans and other sorts of malware.

What does it do?

With a totally revamped interface, all designed in white and green, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 feels very comfortable for the newcomer, while including extensive configuration settings that enable more tech-savvy users to adapt the program to their needs. The bottom area in Kaspersky Anti-Virus includes buttons for the program’s main functions: scans, database update, a virtual keyboard and a quarantine area for infected files.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 includes three types of system scan (Full, Critical Areas and Vulnerability). Not only does the program take care of your file system in real time, thanks to a heuristic-based monitor, but also your email, web browsing and even IM conversations. All these filters can be tweaked in the program's comprehensive settings menu. On the downside, the regular scanning of any active apps can momentarily slow down your system.

Added protection

The program also includes the so called Kaspersky Security Network, an online service that improves Kaspersky’s response to new threats, thanks to anonymous data collected from users.

There are lots more advanced settings to play around with in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013. You can customize the way the utility protects your system, applying more protection, or disabling certain aspects in order to free up CPU resources. Make sure you check out our article about using the advanced features of Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

All in all, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is a nice security solution. It offers real-time protection and lets you scan your system for possible vulnerabilities. It's a suitable tool for all levels of users - clear enough for the less experienced, while also offering serious customization options for the more tech-savvy.

Free alternatives to Kaspersky Anti-Virus

There are several free antivirus suites available that can protect your computer from threats in a similar way to Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013. Most do not have the same level of advanced security features, but they are worth looking at if you are on a tight budget.

- avast! Free Antivirus
- Panda Cloud Antivirus
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Avira AntiVir Personal
- Rising Antivirus 2011 Free Edition

With Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 you can effectively protect your system from all possible online threats.

Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus UK 2013 13.0.1.4190 in Softonic

In the Advanced mode the user can set up individual rules for processing attachments in different messages and folders. In both modes there are different schemes available: seven basic schemes for naming folders on the disk where attachments are saved and seven basic schemes for renaming attachments. Also, the Attachment Processor supports an elementary macro-language used for creating individual naming schemes. The program contains a utility for updating links in the message base of Microsoft Outlook. This utility is essential when the folder with attachments is moved to another location (folder or disk). Also, there is a utility for managing the list of attachment types, which are blocked by the Outlook security system.

The program can 1) automatically extract attachments from the incoming messages and save them to your hard disk; 2) automatically pack the attachments by ZIP in the outgoing messages; 3) create password-protected archives; 4) automatically pack by ZIP all incoming attachments or only specific attachment types; 5) automatically unzip all incoming attachments. Attachments Processor works in Simple and Advanced modes.

Our products include a small add-in for Microsoft Outlook, which is intended for individual users and small businesses. We also feature Microsoft Exchange Server extensions for medium and large corporations.

Download Attachments Processor for Outlook 4.4.2 in Softonic

Operating system, web browser, media player... Microsoft had everything covered, except for a security application. Until now, with the release of Microsoft Security Essentials.

After some months in beta stage, Microsoft has launched the final version of its security application, though I have to say Microsoft Security Essentials hasn't changed that much in the final release. It still features a simple, clear tabbed interface with four main areas in which the user can take a look at the system's security status, update virus and spyware definitions, check the history of previously detected items, and tweak the program's settings, respectively.

Microsoft Security Essentials includes three types of scan - quick, full, or customizable. They can be scheduled to run at a give time or particular location, and can be modified to work when the computer is not actually in use. Handily, Microsoft Security Essentials automatically updates its database, and is fully integrated with Windows Explorer and the Windows Firewall. It also boasts a system restore point, in case you need to undo any over-enthusiastic cleaning.

Microsoft Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at a standalone security application for home use. Given its simplicity and suitability for beginners, it probably isn't the best choice for more advanced users or professional network administrators, but for the average user, it covers all the bases. Bear in mind, however, that Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't disinfect files - it only deletes them in case of infection.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a gentle introduction to the sometimes complicated world of home computer security.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (64 bits) 4.1.0522.0 in Softonic

Featuring the same robust engine from previous versions, the new Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 is one of the most powerful protection tools you can use to defend your system from viruses, worms, Trojans and other sorts of malware.

What does it do?

With a totally revamped interface, all designed in white and green, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 feels very comfortable for the newcomer, while including extensive configuration settings that enable more tech-savvy users to adapt the program to their needs. The bottom area in Kaspersky Anti-Virus includes buttons for the program’s main functions: scans, database update, a virtual keyboard and a quarantine area for infected files.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 includes three types of system scan (Full, Critical Areas and Vulnerability). Not only does the program take care of your file system in real time, thanks to a heuristic-based monitor, but also your email, web browsing and even IM conversations. All these filters can be tweaked in the program's comprehensive settings menu. On the downside, the regular scanning of any active apps can momentarily slow down your system.

Added protection

The program also includes the so called Kaspersky Security Network, an online service that improves Kaspersky’s response to new threats, thanks to anonymous data collected from users.

There are lots more advanced settings to play around with in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012. You can customize the way the utility protects your system, applying more protection, or disabling certain aspects in order to free up CPU resources. Make sure you check out our article about using the advanced features of Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

All in all, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 is a nice security solution. It offers real-time protection and lets you scan your system for possible vulnerabilities. It's a suitable tool for all levels of users - clear enough for the less experienced, while also offering serious customization options for the more tech-savvy.

Free alternatives to Kaspersky Anti-Virus

There are several free antivirus suites available that can protect your computer from threats in a similar way to Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012. Most do not have the same level of advanced security features, but they are worth looking at if you are on a tight budget.

- avast! Free Antivirus
- Panda Cloud Antivirus
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Avira AntiVir Personal
- Rising Antivirus 2011 Free Edition

With Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 you can effectively protect your system from all possible online threats.

Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 12.0.0.374 in Softonic

As any other antivirus, the problem with Microsoft Security Essentials is that you never seem to find the right time to perform a complete system scan. You’re always busy with something else and need all the computer’s processing power for yourself. With Security Screensaver this problem is over, as it scans the system while the computer is idle.

Security Screensaver works just like a regular screensaver, taking over the monitor whenever you don’t use the computer for a scheduled period of time. While active, Security Screensaver updates the antivirus signature file and performs a complete system scan.

You’ll find two different executables in Security Screensaver: one that displays the program’s logo while working in the background, and one that doesn’t display anything – just a plain, black screen. You can choose the one you want and set it as your default screensaver by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Install”. On the downside, the preview function in the screensaver’s settings window didn’t work.

Security Screensaver is a simple screensaver that also protects your system, as it updates Microsoft Security Essentials database and scans your system.

Download Security Screensaver 2.0 in Softonic

As the name suggests, X-Backup is designed for if the worst happens and you lose all your data on your PC. It's a powerful, versatile and easy to use piece of software and has been periodically updated to improve both the security and speed of backups.

X-Backup will basically save any number of files and archive them in a Zip file or for really big backups, create a disk partition image. The interface has been based on Microsoft Office so if you think it looks familiar, you're right. This doesn't exactly make it look attractive but it's functional and clear. Most importantly, it clearly shows you an instant overview of your backup storage.

The most useful features are the scheduled and synchronized backups. You can use the X-Backup time line to schedule exactly when you want it to kick-in and start backing up your machine. However, make sure this is not when you are working as it's rather annoying whilst it takes over your entire system (with prompts first though). With synchronized backups, the program will detect any changes on your PC and backup new files automatically.

One concern with all that backed up data is security. X-Backup allows you to encrypt backed-up files with a 256 bit AES encryption key. If you do lose data from your hard drive, X-Backup also has a handy restore function which instantly re-transfers backed-up files to their original location.

Download X-Backup 2007.2.5.26 in Softonic