Windows 7: Microsoft Security Essentials loses AV-TEST certification

Hi Folks,
Read about it here Microsoft Security Essentials loses AV-TEST certification ? The Register

I don't have much faith in these tests that claim one AV is doing worse than others because they are never consistant. Just the other day, someone posted a link to a site that (supposedly) reports real time test results of various free AVs and MSE was only one percent beelow the top AVs (something in the high eighties). So, which one is correct?

Personally, I'll use whichever AV that doesn't act like a virus itself. Right now, at least among the freebies, only MSE seems to fit that bill since Avast is going the way of the bloated dodo and AVG is, well, AVG.

'course, the best AV one can ever get is a smart user.

I have to agree that tests can be skewed or biased.

I've used MSE since it came out and have never had a problem. I also have Malwarebytes (paid version).

I've found you can see 10 different test results of AV's and there are 10 different answers.

MSE is the least intrusive AV I have ever used, but it has still gotten the job done, so this review isn't going to change my mind.

I have used MSE for a long time and have had no problems. I also don't know what test are correct and which ones are not.
I do believe that the testers are going to start leaning away from MSE for one reason.
How many companies offer a free anti virus without trying to sell you a upgraded version (Pro) other than Microsoft? The millions and millions of computers that have MSE on them now would of had another brand free anti virus if it wasn't for MSE. That would give those other brand companies the possibility of selling upgrades. These so call independent studies done by companies know who butters their bread and it isn't Microsoft. I use MSE and MAM Pro active. If MSE stops doing it's job it's gone and I will buy another brand.

I did my own test with MSE in a virtual machine and it was pretty good at blocking viruses. I also use Malwarebytes as a scanner.

I can say that I've been using MSE since installing Win 7 and its done a good job. I was infected awhile back (first time in 16 years) after clicking on a search link for a weightlifting site then while reading there Malwarebytes Pro opened and gave me the various options you get in that situation. I chose to clean the thing but it did not stop it from infecting. So being careful (nothing indicated the site would be prone to attack), MSE, and Malwarebytes all failed on that occasion. Sandboxie is always a good addition.

I've used MSE since having this notebook, and have had no problems at all, MSE doesn't drain my system's resources like other paid bloated AV real-time protection programs like Norton 360.

These studies will criticize free programs, in order to push users towards the paid versions of AV programs with the same or even less effectiveness against virus attacks. I also have the free version of Malwarebytes and TDSS.