Many people get confused when you mention Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials. Nevertheless, it is simple these are two different virus and malware programs from Microsoft. Windows Defender protects a PC against spyware while Security Essentials program does that plus it scans and removes viruses.
Windows defender has the online and offline versions that you can use. The online version can scan and catch spyware for you when you are connected to the Internet. On the other hand, the offline version is downloadable and has the same capabilities just that you can use it to clean your computer before it boots. All you need is to the program on a compact disk (not necessarily DVD), flash drive or external hard drive. Windows Defender cannot scan for viruses. This is the main reason why you needed another anti-virus program to fight virus in a computer before Windows 8. Microsoft Security Essentials was the now the anti-virus program that worked together with Windows Defender to fully shield your OS from spyware and viruses. However, this has changed with the advent of windows 8. The new operating system has a Windows Defender that can scan and eliminate viruses too. That means that you no longer need the two software programs on the same computer. Microsoft Security Essentials cannot also be installed on Windows 8 since the Windows Defender provides in built full-time protection. The same applies to Windows RT whose Windows Defender is as powerful against viruses.
With Windows 8, Windows Defender is rather the same as the Security Essentials program. In fact, the two have similar functions and virus definitions. The Defender software of Windows 8 is the source of confusion. Get it right, all predecessor operating systems of windows 8 need both the Defender and Security Essentials software because they have different roles. Either way,Windows defender will at times be refereed to as Microsoft Essentials on Windows 8 platform.
Both software are can be downloaded for free on various websites including Microsoft web pages. Remember, if you are using Windows XP, Windows 7 or any other OS that was released before windows 8 you need both software. Again, Windows defender is an all-time malware remover except for the Windows 8 version which is same as Microsoft Security Essentials. All that said the frustration of knowing which software to use and their capabilities should be over by now.
