|
Help Desk
|
in Windows Security
Essentials
Microsoft has recently released a new free security program titled
Security Essentials. Security Essentials replaces Windows Live OneCare and
include all-in-one protection for viruses, malware and spyware. It is
available for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 from Microsoft’s
website.
Here's how to obtain it, install it and use it!
Obtaining and installing Microsoft Security Essentials
 |
In your web browser, open
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.
|
|
The Microsoft Security
Essentials home page will appear.
|
|
Click the link, Download now.
|
|
Follow the prompts to download Microsoft Security Essentials.
|
|
When the file has completed downloading, click Run to start the
Microsoft Security Essentials setup program,
“mssefullinstall-x86fre-en-us-vista-win7”.
|
|
The Microsoft Security Essentials Licence Agreement will appear. Read
this and click I accept to continue installation.
|
|
At the next screen, you will be asked to validate your copy of
Microsoft Windows. Validate >.
|
|
If validation is successful, Setup will then advise you that it is
ready to install Microsoft Security Essentials. Install >.
|
|
The Microsoft Security Essentials setup will then install the
components required.
|
|
Microsoft Security Essentials will commence installation on your
computer. When it has completed, click Finish to close setup.
Microsoft Security Essentials will check and download virus and
spyware updates and scan your computer for the first time.
|
Using Microsoft Security Essentials
|
Click Start.
|
|
Point to All Programs.
|
|
Click Microsoft Security Essentials.
|
|
Microsoft Security Essentials will open and bring you to the computer
status screen.
|
|
To do a Quick Scan, click the Scan now button.
|
|
To do a Full Scan or a Custom Scan, click the radio button next to the
Scan button and the appropriate item. A Full Scan checks all
files on your hard disk and currently running programs, but may make
your computer slow to use. A Custom Scan allows you to check in places
you wish to.
|
|
Please note:
If you suspect you have viruses, malware and spyware infection, run a
Full Scan.
|
|
Microsoft Security Essentials will then scan your computer for
viruses, malware and spyware. Once the scan is complete, a summary
will be displayed, letting you know how much unwanted or harmful
software were found.
|
|
Select the checkboxes of viruses, malware and spyware that you wish to
remove (I suggest removing all of them for privacy's sake!) and click
Next >.
|
|
A message box will appear confirming to remove the objects from your
system. Click OK.
|
|
You're done! You are finished using Microsoft Security Essentials to
remove your spyware.
|
|
