Microsoft Releases MSE Beta Upgrade
The latest release of MSE, which Microsoft first launched in September 2009, sports an enhanced antimalware engine. Among other things, the beta release touts improved detection and cleanup capabilities and better overall performance, according to Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft communications manager in a blog post Tuesday.
In addition, version 2.0 of MSE now integrates with Internet Explorer -- a feature that the company implemented in an effort to better fend off Web-based threats.
Microsoft is also infusing the antivirus service with enhanced protections against network-based exploits, but only for Vista and Windows 7. Windows XP users who want the network inspection features are out of luck. That's because the enhanced network inspection system requires the Windows Filtering Platform function in order to run, which is only available on Windows Vista and Windows 7.
"However, if you are running Windows XP, you can still use all other beta features," LeBlanc wrote.
The revised MSE also comes with a new firewall integration feature that now asks the end users if they would prefer to turn their Windows Firewall on or off.
Thus far, the beta release is available in English, Hebrew and Brazilian Portuguese, with a simplified Chinese version coming out later this year. The beta MSE, available at Microsoft's Connect page, is available on a first come, first serve basis until the cap is reached.
After logging in, users will be directed to a download page where they can choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Already Microsoft has had to deal with reams of complaints from users experiencing installation issues with the beta version after signing into Microsoft Connect. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and said it was currently addressing the problem. Until the issue is resolved, however, users can rely on file transfer manager within Microsoft Connect to download the beta files, Microsoft said.