The build number for this antivirus is 1.0.1407.00 which is lower than the leaked version on torrents. It is available for only first 75,000 users but Microsoft can increase the limit if required. So grab your copy as soon as possible.

You will need a Windows Live ID and will have to fill a small survey before downloading it. It’s available on Microsoft Connect.

Key Features:

• Real-time protection
• Dynamic Signature Service
• Root-kit protection
• Lightweight design
• CPU throttling
• Idle-time scanning
• Smart caching and active memory swapping

System Requirements for MSE:

For Windows XP:

• • • • CPU with clock speed of 500 MHz or higher
      • Memory of 256 MB RAM or higher
      • VGA (display): 800×600 or higher
      • Storage: 140 MB of available hard-disk space

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 (Beta or RC):

• CPU with clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher
• Memory of 1 GB RAM or higher
• VGA (display): 800×600 or higher
• Storage: 140 MB of available hard-disk space

Download MSE Beta

Homepage

This leaked version has been tested and worked on since June 1 this year. This supports operating systems like Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 etc. Since this is the leaked version, virus signature database auto update can’t be assured. You have to download this as a standalone Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) software download.

Since this leaked version is the pre beta release, you may find several bugs and limitations. This leaked version is named as Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) 1.0.2140.0.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for 32-bit (x86) Windows Vista and Windows 7

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for 64-bit (x64) Windows Vista and Windows 7

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for Windows XP

The Microsoft’s free antivirus software, code named “Morro” has been officially named as “Microsoft Security Essentials”. Its beta version will be available to download from 23^rd June for the first 75000 users. It will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. If you have a licensed copy of Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or above), Windows Vista, or Windows 7, you will be able to download and install this antivirus software at no additional charge.

When the antivirus is installed, it validates whether the copy of Windows running is genuine or not. If you have Windows Defender working on your PC, then MSE will uninstall Windows Defender, as MSE is a superset of Defender.

Key Features:

• Real-time protection
• Dynamic Signature Service
• Root-kit protection
• Lightweight design
• CPU throttling
• Idle-time scanning
• Smart caching and active memory swapping

The beta version of MSE will be available for public download from June 23, Tuesday, at Security Essentials page (page goes live from 23^rd June, Tuesday).

Via

Do you know Microsoft is all set to release a new antivirus as a substitute to its discontinued security suite Live One Care and this new antivirus name is Morro.

This new antivirus Morro is being tested by Microsoft employees, so the User Interface is subject to change in upcoming build. Neowin has posted three screenshots of the Microsoft Morro few hours back. You can see all these screenshots below:

Via

Microsoft is getting ready to unveil its free anti-virus software, pitching it into direct competition with companies such as Symantec and McAfee.

A Microsoft spokesman says that the world’s biggest software maker is testing an early version of the product with its own employees. Microsoft will "soon" make a beta version available via its website, he added, although the spokesman declined to provide a specific date.

Investors are closely monitoring the free service, codenamed Morro after Brazil’s Morro de Sao Paolo beach, amid concern it could hurt sales of products from Symantec and McAfee, which generate billions of dollars of revenue a year.

Microsoft claims that Morro will offer basic features for fighting a wide range of viruses, which will likely make it comparable to low-end consumer products from Symantec and McAfee.