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Get it here: http://www.microsoft.com/Security_essentials/
Microsoft has released its free computer security package to the public.
From 29 September, Windows users will be able to download the software from Microsoft's Security Essentials website.
The free software gives basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
The Essentials software is Microsoft's second try at making an own-brand security package.
Prior to release a beta version of Security Essentials software, codenamed Morro, has been available to users in the US, China, Brazil, and Israel.
Microsoft said the software would be available to anyone who wanted to use it and downloading it would not involve registering with the software firm or having a limit on the amount of time it could be used for.
"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" said Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft in a statement.
The only restriction on use is that it has to be installed on a "genuine" Windows PC - one whose copy of its operating system has been verified by Microsoft.
In the free software market Microsoft faces competition from many others including AVG, Alwil Avast, Avira Antivir and Comodo.
The free software runs on Windows XP, Vista and will also be available for Windows 7 when it is released in late October.
Updates will be provided automatically to those who install the software.
Prior to working on Security Essentials, Microsoft offered its Windows Live OneCare paid security software but this failed to win a significant user base in the highly competitive consumer market. This software was withdrawn in mid-2009.
Microsoft has released its free computer security package to the public.
From 29 September, Windows users will be able to download the software from Microsoft's Security Essentials website.
The free software gives basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
The Essentials software is Microsoft's second try at making an own-brand security package.
Prior to release a beta version of Security Essentials software, codenamed Morro, has been available to users in the US, China, Brazil, and Israel.
Microsoft said the software would be available to anyone who wanted to use it and downloading it would not involve registering with the software firm or having a limit on the amount of time it could be used for.
"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" said Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft in a statement.
The only restriction on use is that it has to be installed on a "genuine" Windows PC - one whose copy of its operating system has been verified by Microsoft.
In the free software market Microsoft faces competition from many others including AVG, Alwil Avast, Avira Antivir and Comodo.
The free software runs on Windows XP, Vista and will also be available for Windows 7 when it is released in late October.
Updates will be provided automatically to those who install the software.
Prior to working on Security Essentials, Microsoft offered its Windows Live OneCare paid security software but this failed to win a significant user base in the highly competitive consumer market. This software was withdrawn in mid-2009.
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