Microsoft announced today on The Windows Blog the launch of the beta for the next version of Microsoft Security Essentials, the free anti-malware service that the company released in September of 2009. The new version of Microsoft Security Essentials includes various new features, which promise to help users protect their computers even more.
According to the company, the new Microsoft Security Essentials Beta includes:
- Windows Firewall integration – During setup, Microsoft Security Essentials will now ask if you would like to turn the Windows Firewall on or off.
- Enhanced protection for web-based threats – Microsoft Security Essentials now integrates with Internet Explorer to provide protection against web-based threats.
- New protection engine – The updated anti-malware engine offers enhanced detection and cleanup capabilities with better performance.
- Network inspection system* – Protection against network-based exploits is now built in to Microsoft Security Essentials.
The new Microsoft Security Essentials Beta is available now to Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users on the Microsoft Connect page in a first come, first serve basis. There is a limited number of spots available, so make sure you sign up on time.