Security Essentials is the latest free download from Microsoft that provides protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojans for Windows XP, Vista and 7. In many respects it’s pretty basic.

Microsoft execs were at pains to describe Microsoft Security Essentials as a full-featured anti-malware scanner. The software offers protection against spyware, Trojan and computer viruses but it lacks many of the bells and whistles of third-party alternatives. This is your older brother’s anti-virus scanner, circa 2001 vintage perhaps, and no worse for that. John Leyden, The Register.

Even so reviews have generally been favourable.

There’s been a lot of interest in Microsoft Security Essentials and I think it will prove quite a hit with users. It’s free, effective, lightweight, and quiet and is, in other words, exactly what I’m looking for in a security solution. And it comes with no strings at all. As long as you’re running a genuine Windows version, you can install this product without worrying about up-sell advertisements, yearly renewals, or other silliness. And you can do so on as many Windows-based PCs as you own. I’d like to see it just included with Windows, but what the heck: Free and easy is the next best thing. Microsoft Security Essentials is highly recommended, to all Windows users. Paul Thurrott, SuperSite.

Microsoft Security Essentials is everything an anti-virus package should be. It’s simple to use, works well, and does not impair your system. Microsoft’s competitors will argue that it’s less secure and doesn’t have as many features, but they should be worried. Overall, Security Essentials is excellent and I highly recommend it. Craig Buckler, Sitepoint.

Based on what we’ve seen so far, we have to recommend that you at least give the product a download. Everyone currently using free antimalware software should give it a shot, and those with paid solutions should think about taking MSE for a spin before renewing subscriptions. Emil Protalinski, Ars Technica.

Far from a comprehensive security suite, but it’s free, simple, light – and impressively effective. Darien Graham-Smith, PC Pro.

So it’s goodbye AVG and hellos Security Essentials.