We knew that Microsoft was considering offering free antivirus software when they first surprised everyone in November by announcing they intended to phase out their paid for solution, the Live OneCare suite, in favour of a free one.
Now seven months later they have officially announced that Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), which was originally referred to under the codename ‘Morro’ will become available as a free public beta version from next week.
Users can download the software from the 23rd June but before you get too excited, it will only be available in Brazil to start with, however depending on feedback a full final product could be rolled out to the rest of the world as early as the autumn.
According to Microsoft, Microsoft Security Essentials is “a no-cost anti-Malware solution that provides consumers with quality protection from threats including viruses, spyware, Rootkits and Trojans”.
Free antivirus software is already available from the likes of AVG and Symantec who offer basic protection with an enticement to purchase more sophisticated cover. Panda Security also started offering free antivirus software a couple of months ago.
This new free product from Microsoft is Microsoft’s attempt to help people in emerging markets and those who might not have the means to pay for software to protect their computers.
Everyone knows that Windows PCs are particularly vulnerable to attack so why shouldn’t Microsoft do something about it. The software could help combat the rising number of viruses that plague windows PCs.
The free software will be available as standalone product for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Widows 7 and will be able to offer real time protection and remove Malware, viruses and spyware.
This is bound to be welcome news for those who are on limited budgets and who currently can’t or won’t pay for antivirus protection.
“Cost and performance barriers prevent many consumers from using up-to-date security software to protect their PCs,” Microsoft said in a statement.
Ok so will it be enough?
“There’s room for Microsoft to come in and protect the platform but there’s a lot more to be done,” said J R Smith the Chief Executive Officer of AVG. “Antivirus is the least of the worries these days. The Web threats are where we see 90% of the problems come through.”
Still, at least it’s something.
Microsoft’s current paid for security solution will no longer be available from the end of this month.
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It is good to hear that Microsoft is providing free anti virus software. One can predict about Microsoft what it will do. Lets what they coming up with, since in market there are free version of AVG, Mcafae and others too. Lets see if they can compete with these ones.
Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. (nice to hear this!)