First look at Microsoft Security Essentials Beta

Since its official launch in September 2009, Microsoft Security Essentials has become a popular choice among free antivirus tools, thanks to its quick scans, ease of use and lightness on system resources. Now Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 Beta is ready to download and test, so let’s take a look at all the new features and improvements of this new version.

First of all, to grab hold of this beta you’ll need a Microsoft Connect account (you can use your Windows Live ID to create one). Security Essentials 2.0 Beta is available both for 32- and 64-bit systems, and can be downloaded via the Microsoft File Transfer Manager – though as the file is only 7.78 MB, you probably won’t need it.

The installation is quick and simple. You’re given the opportunity to join the customer experience improvement program, which is totally optional. Once installed on the computer, Microsoft Security Essentials updates its virus and spyware definitions database and performs a first system scan.

 So what’s new? At first sight, not much. You still get the same clear, tabbed interface with four main areas: Home, to check system status; Update, to download the latest definitions; History, to take a look at activity logs; and Settings, to configure the program.

Apparently the big changes are under the hood. Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 features a new engine which provides faster performance and safer protection, an improved protection against network-based threats, a better integration with Windows Explorer and the Windows Firewall, and an enhanced protection against web-based exploits for anyone still using Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Security Essentials Beta is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you want to take a sneak peek at it head down to Microsoft Connect and download it while it’s hot. Then, you can share your impressions with us in comments!