FROM THE IGLOO

MS announced that it’s new “Free” Anti-virus software will be released in beta next week. To be named Microsoft Security Essentials, MSE is the descendant of “One Care”. The beta will be limited to 75k downloads and its target is global.
Interestingly enough they are actually targetting Brazil and China – both are large vectors of malware infection because users are running Windows without AV. MSE is aimed first and foremost at users who either can’t or won’t pay for antivirus/anti-malware software.

There will be no registration required, no trials with an expiration date or required renewals. But Microsoft is restricting the MSE download (both the beta and final) to PCs running Genuine Windows (which has been authenticated as non-pirated).

Don’t cancel your current AV contracts yet though. While MSE makes use of the same core engine as the Forefront Client product Microsoft offers to businesses, it doesn’t provide the management capabilities that the paid Forefront Client — or the former Windows Live OneCare subscription offering do.

Tags: AE, Anti-Virus, AV, DFE, Malware