Free Anti-Virus Nearly Here
When Microsoft entered the anti-virus market, I knocked it for competing against the partners that saved Windows in the first place, and also sold something that should be part of the OS, anyway (the same way seat belts are part of our cars).
Now that Microsoft is on the verge of launching a free anti-virus tool, I have nothing bad to say. Microsoft Security Essentials will be ready for testing tomorrow. Just make sure you have a legit copy of Windows; otherwise, you're out of luck.
I'm optimistic about this software. While clearly not enterprise-class, Security Essentials could be great for netbooks. And even though OneCare was a bust, I've had good luck with the Microsoft anti-virus scanning tool that's similar to Trend Micro's HouseCall (though I can't seem to find it anymore) and Redmond's anti-malware.
Posted by Doug Barney on June 22, 2009