Microsoft has made a free security software package known as Windows Security Essentials available for download on its website. Users will be able to download the software after September 29.
This software provides basic protection from a number of malware such as virus programs, trojans, rootkits and various spyware.
Security Essentials is Microsoft’s second attempt at making its own security software. Currently, there are many third-party security software for Windows.
Earlier, Microsoft had made available a beta version of Security Essentials for users in the US, China, Brazil and Israel to download and test. The version was codenamed Morro.
Security Essentials is absolutely free and doesn’t involve any catches. Users do not have to register the software in order to use it nor does it have any limits on usage.
Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft said, “Consumers have told us that they want the protection of real-time security software, but that they are confused by trials and renewals and concerned about performance and as a result, too many are unprotected”.
However, Security Essentials comes with a restriction–It can be installed only on genuine copies of Windows. It cannot be used on pirated copies of Windows.
In the computer security market, Microsoft has many stiff competitors such as Kaspsersky Labs, AVG, Alwil Avast, Avira Antivir and others.
Windows Security Essentials runs on Windows Xp and Vista. When Windows 7 will be available, it can also be used on it.
The software also comes with regular updates just like regular antivirus software.
Before launching Security Essentials, Microsoft had launched Windows Live OneCare, a paid security solution. However, Microsoft didn’t succeed in this venture as very few users opted for it. Eventually, Microsoft withdrew OneCare in mid-2009.
[ Download Windows Security Essentials ]