Microsoft's free security software better than the others?

You can't always tell if a virus has taken over a Windows computer, but many anti-virus programs leave no doubt about their presence.

They'll embed toolbars in Web browsers and e-mail programs, then pop up notices after downloading the latest virus definitions. The ones that charge for those updates will nag you to renew; the ones that don't may prod you to upgrade to a paid version.

The new, free Microsoft Security Essentials (http://microsoft.com/securityessentials) doesn't follow that pattern. This download for Windows XP, Vista and 7 seems downright meek: You don't have to click past upsells for a premium edition when you install it, and your only hint of its existence afterwards may be two icons at the corners of the desktop. More...

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