BLOGGING WINDOWS has just announced Beta for Next Version of Microsoft Security Essentials Now Available [GENERAL TECHNOLOGY]

The Beta for Next Version of Microsoft Security Essentials is now available according to a post over on the Blogging Windows blog.

New features in the beta of Microsoft Security Essentials include:

• 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.

To download the beta of Microsoft Security Essentials you will need to visit the Microsoft Connect page to register for the beta. Once completed – you will find the instructions for downloading and installing the beta.

The download that I got for my 64-bit installation of Windows 7 indicated that it was version 2.0.375.0.

The complete post is available for review via http://windowsteamblog.com/ 

The connect page indicates that the minimum system requirements for the current release of Microsoft Security Essentials still apply; they are:

Minimum system requirements for Microsoft Security Essentials

Operating System: Genuine Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3); Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2); Windows 7

• For Windows XP, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 500 MHz or higher, and 256 MB RAM or higher.
• For Windows Vista and Windows 7, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.
• VGA display of 800 × 600 or higher.
• 140 MB of available hard disk space.
• An Internet connection is required for installation and to download the latest virus and spyware definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials.
• Internet Browser:
  • Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.
  • Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.
• Microsoft Security Essentials also supports Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. For more information, see the system requirements for Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

As outlined on the Connect site, these are the steps for installing the Microsoft Security Essentials Beta

1. Confirm that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to install Security Essentials Beta.
2. Read the KB article to determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit of the Windows operating system.
3. Click the appropriate MSE download link listed under Title column. Select the download link based on your Windows operating system (32 -bit or 64 bit.)
4. Review the “Download location nearest you” drop down option. Select the appropriate value based on your geographic location.
5. Click Download link under Download single file column.
   
   Note: Depending on your Internet Explorer security settings, the download of the installation file may be blocked.Right click on the yellow bar (see image below) and the click on “Download File…” in order to allow the download to begin.
   
6. Click Run from the File Download –Security Warning pane.
7. Follow the installation wizard to install Microsoft Security Essentials Beta.