Avast Vs. Microsoft Security Essentials

A computer connected to the Internet necessitates protection in the form of an antivirus software program, without which your data is quite insecure. If you are looking for free antivirus software programs, there are plenty to choose from. Two of the best available free antivirus programs available on the Internet are Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and Avast! Free Antivirus. They rank in the list of best free antivirus software programs. Of course, a perfect anti virus program is a myth and none can claim to offer the best overall protection. You must select the one which offers the most secure service for your usage pattern.

Avast Vs. Microsoft Security Essentials Comparison

Both these antivirus programs are freely downloadable from their respective websites. As an Avast antivirus review will reveal, this program has been around for quite some time and its latest version is loaded with several new features. A full scale Microsoft Security Essentials review will reveal that this new product has already found wide popularity because of its great design and features.

Difference in Installation
Avast has a massive setup file (52.3 MB) compared to MSE which has a mere 6.97 MB installation file. Avast installation takes longer due to the many components it installs. Though Avast! Free Antivirus 5.0 is free, it requires registration. Once you register, product activation key will be mailed to you, which will activate the program for a year. MSE installation process will only begin after it verifies the authenticity of your Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP copy. It runs only on genuine versions of Windows. The MSE installation is quite fast. You do not need to restart your desktop or laptop computer for both these programs to start functioning. After installation, MSE will automatically disable Windows Defender on Windows 7 systems.

Differences in System Requirements
MSE requires your Windows version to be genuine, RAM in excess of 256 MB for Windows XP and in excess of 1GB for Windows Vista. It requires about 140 MB of hard drive space to operate. Avast can operate on Windows as well as Mac PCs, about 256 MB RAM and 100 MB hard drive space. Both programs come with easy-to-use intuitive graphic interfaces.

Comparison of Scanning Features
Both software programs offer quick, as well as custom scanning options. In terms of scanning time, Avast is faster than MSE. Both offer real time protection facility and have the ability to detect malware and spyware and other malicious programs like trojans. Both programs can run daily scheduled scans. MSE has the edge when it comes to malware scanning, however it falls short of the range of features made available by Avast.

MSE lacks network, P2P and IM shields offered by Avast. The behavior shield offered by Avast can detect unusual activity and its sensitivity can be adjusted. The silent or gaming mode offered by Avast along with the rootkit scanning before boot up makes it very effective. Both programs get regular daily updates. Overall, Avast beats MSE with its extra scanning features.

Avast has the edge in terms of wide range of features that it offers compared to MSE. When it comes to malware scanning, MSE has been known to have the edge. All in all, if you have a Windows 7 based PC and you have the bare minimum expectations from an antivirus program, I would highly recommend MSE. It is light on the system and quite thorough in its scanning. On the other hand, if you are looking for advanced and diverse scanning features go for Avast or even Antivir. Download and use for yourself to decide which one would be the best for you.