Microsoft recently released its first free anti-virus software called Microsoft Security Essentials for computers running on Windows operating system. Downloads are available for Windows XP (32-bit), Windows Vista/7 (32-bit and 64-bit users).
The free anti-virus software has been available for testing since June, 3 weeks shy of the scheduled commercial release of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.
Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Originally called Morro while in development stage, Microsoft Security Essentials is Microsoft’s attempt to bring free, basic antivirus and antispyware tools to even more users. It also offers rootkit detection, a scheduler and some basic customizations.
According to Microsoft website, “Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple.”
“Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times”, it added.
Microsoft Security Essentials promises to run quietly in the background, consuming only a little memory usage and updates will be regularly available for automatic download.
Anti-virus companies like Symantec and ESET are unfazed of Microsoft’s entry into the free anti-virus market. They believe Microsoft’s anti-virus is too simplified it will not totally protect consumers from more advanced security threats and cybercrimes.
AVG, a popular anti-virus provider also believe that users on Windows will be more vulnerable to attacks since Microsoft’s operating system is always a target of these viruses and security threats, not because its code are vulnerable but because its a popular product which many thieves find many opportunities to take advantage of.
While it’s a free anti-virus software download, it checks your Windows license for validity during installation. Click here to visit site and download the software.
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