IT sector news

Microsoft launches free security software

7/10/2009
Microsoft has released its own computer security software which is available for free download from the company's security Essentials website. The software gives users basic protection against viruses, Trojans spyware and rootkits.

Microsoft has said that downloading the software won't involve registering with the company or having a limit on the amount of time it could be used for. It is not being included as part of any operating system or as an automatic update. 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.

The BBC reports that figures gathered by the Get Safe Online campaign suggest that 50% of PCs in the UK do not have up-to-date anti-malware software installed. Microsoft has said that not enough people take out anti-malware subscriptions. The company says that alongside the software, people still needed to run a firewall and keep their browser and operating system up to date with the latest patches and fixes.

In the free software market Microsoft faces competition from many others including AVG, Alwil Avast, Avira Antivir and Comodo. Industry experts are warning that the software itself might become a target for malware writers.