Like I12, I've been using MS Essentials and love it (go figure, a M$ program I like!). It doesn't slow anything down, and I have yet to run into a problem. I also run Spybot Search & Destroy in the background to prevent malware. It's also recommended.
Would you recommend a program like Spybot or Malware Bytes in addition to Microsoft Security Essentials or MS Essentials is enough on it's own?
I think it's always good to have a 2nd protector. Each one has its own inventory of virus definitions many of which are the same as the other. But, some are different and additional. That way your protection is likely to be more comprehensive.
By the way, I continue to use IE8. I tried IE9, but didn't like it. I've tried Chrome and Firefox too. I guess I'm not that amenable to change; I feel okay with 8.
