Microsoft to release free security software

By siliconindia   |   Tuesday, 22 September 2009, 22:16 IST   |    3 Comments
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Bangalore: Microsoft is set to release the final version of its free antivirus software to the public in the coming weeks. Microsoft sent a note to beta testers on Sunday to alert them of the impending release. In June, Microsoft issued the beta of Security Essentials to about 75,000 users, but quickly shut down the offering when that target was reached. Microsoft has touted the software as a basic anti-virus, anti-spyware product that consumes less memory and disk space than commercial security suites like those from vendors such as Symantec and McAfee. It is the company's replacement for the former Windows Live OneCare, for-a-fee security suite that was retired at the end of June 2009. Although rival security vendors have dismissed security essentials - once code named 'Morro' - as proof that Microsoft couldn't compete in the paying market, some analysts have been optimistic about its chances. Microsoft has also said that it would block users running counterfeit copies of Windows from downloading security essentials. Security Essentials will run on Windows XP SP2 or later, Windows Vista and Windows 7. When it goes final, the antivirus program will be available for downloading from Microsoft's site.