Microsoft to give away anti-virus

[hamba]

Microsoft to give away anti-virus

Microsoft is poised to start giving away security software.

The company is reportedly trialling free anti-virus software internally and said the beta version would be released "soon".

Called Morro, the software will tackle viruses but lack the broader range of utilities, such as parental locks, found in paid-for security suites.

Morro will be Microsoft's second venture in the highly competitive security market.

Microsoft's first attempt revolved around the Windows Live OneCare service that did not succeed in turning many customers away from rivals such as Symantec and McAfee.

Microsoft plans to discontinue Live OneCare once the Morro software is ready.

No specific date has been given for when Morro will be released, but in the past Microsoft has said it would be out by the end of 2009 at the latest.

Microsoft said Morro would tackle viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.

Janice Chaffin, Symantec's president of consumer products, said customers wanted more than just basic protection.

"A full internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected," she said.

Security software for home PCs typically cost around £30-40 and often allow users to install protections on more than one computer.

Other companies, such as AVG and Alwil already produce and distribute free anti-virus products.

Fake help

In its latest update, Microsoft added code that detects and deletes the widespread Internet Antivirus Pro family of fake security software programs.

Such programs, also known as scareware, have been proving more popular with hi-tech criminals in recent months.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group estimated that there were 9,287 bogus anti-malware program in circulation in December 2008 - a rise of 225% since January 2008.

The US government has moved to shut down some companies peddling the programs that falsely claim to find malicious software on PCs and then charge for the non-existent threats to be removed.

In addition, the Internet Antivirus Pro software displays fake Windows security messages to try and trick people into thinking the product is legitimate. The software also contains a password stealer that watches where people go online and grabs login data.




Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/06/13 06:57:11 GMT
© BBC MMIX

 

[Firemouth]

oh goodie! WTF. why give away crap when ther is, very good, free anti virus programs around. indeed, some of it is, better than the junk you are asked to buy! anyway its of little consiquence, as most os the stuff MS sells, does not work. why would this be any different. i bet they have worked out how to give the program free, and charge you through the nose for updates, or something. still its just another MS program to avoid.

 

[TheWakeUpCall]

You can bash MS all you like, but they are still a hugely successful software company, and do make lots of great software, like Office and Windows (despite what people say).

As for the anti-virus software, if it uses little processing power and RAM, and if it has a good set of definitions, it can't be bad. Most free ones are awful, like AVG and Avast (both are so irritating).

 

[Firemouth]

they are "hugely successful", because they have an, effective, monopoly, of the PC os market. that has noting to do with the stuff being good. i agree on the low resource, comment. but then it does not do half of the stuff most, good, free AV programs do, as MS state themselves.

and do make lots of great software, like Office and Windows

(lmfao)
in your view, as you state.

(despite what people say).

so everybody else is wrong? yeah, OK then!

 

[hoppy]

You can bash MS all you like, but they are still a hugely successful software company, and do make lots of great software, like Office and Windows (despite what people say).

As for the anti-virus software, if it uses little processing power and RAM, and if it has a good set of definitions, it can't be bad. Most free ones are awful, like AVG and Avast (both are so irritating).

I have used AVG for nearly a year and find it one of the best anti virus programs available.
Avast is probably one of the most popular free ones available and i know plenty of people who rate it quite highly.

I have actually lost count on the amount of virus damaged machine's i have repaired that had onecare installed.
It was an awful security suite that was lacking in "many" areas and had a lot of issues.
The most recent was the firewall issue!!
Where your firewall often wouldn't start and would shut down at any given time.
One of my mates complained to MS about this and got a full refund with no argument from them.

With regard to them making good software, well it should be good, most people are paying plenty for it.

 

[TheWakeUpCall]

Well, you use Windows Firemouth don't you. You have a choice in the matter.

And most antiviruses do too much imo.

 

[Firemouth]

Well, you use Windows Firemouth don't you. You have a choice in the matter.

And most antiviruses do too much imo.

yep i use Windows. give me one "viable" alternative? Linux and Mac os are no, practical, replacement. i agree on the AV programs. but the reason is not the programs. its the holes and security lapses in WINDOWS (many placed by MS, so they could harvest information on their users. but that are exploited by the Virus mob too). just because we are forced to use an OS, does not preclude us from complaining or campaigning, to improve it. especially if our hard earned cash goes on an OP that simply is not up to the job, its sold to do.

SO, MS, stole and cheated its way to the top. unfortunately nothing was done till it was too late, and MS had put pay to the opposition, by fair means or foul. in reality its down too an "illegal" agreement by MS and big blue, as pc's hit the mass market. every PC, if it had MS dos or not, had to pay a Fine/commission to MS. netting MS hundreds of millions, over the years, for nothing. so its safe to assume they had to do "nothing" with all their other OS's. that's promptly what they did.

I'm sure you are more than happy with MS Windows, many people are. but then most don't use a fraction of the pc or OS they have. its when you do, really, use your PC the holes in MS work show up. that's why Business rails against MS. every time the get an upgrade, nothing works. that's not only bad business (unless you have an Monopoly). its arrogant and ignorant to a degree that is shocking.

 

[TheWakeUpCall]

Linux and Mac are viable alternatives to Windows, millions of people use both. Both are very secure. Your main point seems to be that Microsoft software has more holes than anything else, and people who don't agree don't use their computers fully. Though, maybe MS software appears to have more holes because there are more people looking for them because most people use it and as for saying people who don't share your view are just ignorant...

Don't get my wrong, I'm not some MS fanboy. I hate a lot of the stuff they do, but I'm impartial and give credit where credit is due, and I think MS get stick for everything they do these days undeservedly.

This is a classic example. They're giving away a free antivirus, which most normal non-techy people will probably install, and the circulation of viruses may drop because of it, and what do people do? They just criticise them and say that there are already free alternatives and that they won't get this right because apparently they don't get anything right.

 

[Firemouth]

so you can go buy a copy of Linux, take it home, install it, and with no more knowledge, have a Pc up and running with a full set of "useful" software? Err. NO, you cant. so it aint viable. same goes for a "cracked" Mac os. neither are "viable" for the average customer. therefore neither, is "viable" as an alternative to Windows. i can run Vista ultimate, with no problems, now, its still a pile of $ite though. too much emphasis on what MS want you to do, not enough on what people, actually, want to do with them. as for more people running windows than any other, so more complaints. well that's true. but in the states, the Mac PC, split, is much closer. MS still get all the complaints. so even when sales are"more" equal, Ms still leads the polls for "crap" software.

 

[v14]

so you can go buy a copy of Linux, take it home, install it, and with no more knowledge, have a Pc up and running with a full set of "useful" software? Err. NO, you cant. so it aint viable. same goes for a "cracked" Mac os. neither are "viable" for the average customer. therefore neither, is "viable" as an alternative to Windows. i can run Vista ultimate, with no problems, now, its still a pile of $ite though. too much emphasis on what MS want you to do, not enough on what people, actually, want to do with them. as for more people running windows than any other, so more complaints. well that's true. but in the states, the Mac PC, split, is much closer. MS still get all the complaints. so even when sales are"more" equal, Ms still leads the polls for "crap" software.

not getting that.
you can download any Linux distro for free.
it's not difficult to install if you have even a modest level of IT skill.

so how is it not a viable alternative to MS Windows? :err:

 

[TheWakeUpCall]

Sorry, but what is your definition of useful software... what do you run that is so amazingly specific to Windows?

And the Mac to PC ratio in america is definitely no where near 50:50.

I think you just have a vendetta.

 

[hamba]

Microsoft offers free anti-virus

A trial version of Microsoft's free anti-virus software has been launched in the US, China, Brazil, and Israel.

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) promises to provide people with basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits and spyware.

The software giant has been criticised in the past for failing to include free security software with Windows.

Its first security package, Windows Live OneCare, failed to attract many customers and will be discontinued.

Microsoft is hoping that MSE, available as a free download from its site, will prove more popular. It has said it will automatically update it for users.

However, rival security vendors have questioned whether Microsoft can compete with more established anti-virus players.

Family doctor

"Early reviews of the beta are showing that it under-performs when compared to existing freeware products, and well below paid solutions," said security firm Symantec in a statement.

"Referring to Microsoft's basic anti-virus and anti-spyware product as an essential security solution is misleading. Consumers need firewall protection, web protection, anti-spam and identity safeguards," it said.

J.R Smith, chief executive of security firm AVG, said Microsoft's entry into the security market could "further confuse consumers about the inherent security of their computer".

"It's important to recognise that Microsoft's role in the internet security realm is much like your relationship with your trusted family doctor. They can help diagnose the problems. In addition, they treat many general ailments. In the end, though, they are not a replacement for a specialist when you need one," he said.

Initially 75,000 trial versions of MSE, codenamed Morro, will be available in the US, Brazil, China and Israel.

The software will be rolled out in other countries later this year.



Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/06/24 10:02:25 GMT
© BBC MMIX

 

[Firemouth]

not getting that.
you can download any Linux distro for free.
it's not difficult to install if you have even a modest level of IT skill.

so how is it not a viable alternative to MS Windows? :err:

thing is, many who buy a PC. dont have "modest" levels of IT know how.

 

[hoppy]

Interesting update and the comments by other security company's are interesting.
As i said in earlier posts, Onecare was a flop as it was average at best and you had to pay for it.
I have a feeling this will be a success though!!
That's based on the fact that its free and people who do not know any better will trust it as its made by MS.

When its available i might give it a spin though as i spend a lot of time trying out new programs and its important to give it a fair shout.

I won't hold my breath though as Onecare was a lousy product..

 

[Firemouth]

Sorry, but what is your definition of useful software... what do you run that is so amazingly specific to Windows?

And the Mac to PC ratio in america is definitely no where near 50:50.

I think you just have a vendetta.

alternatives to "windows" programs for LINUX, are just that alternatives. or you use the same program, via "software". as it is none native.

yep, i know its not 50-50. but sales levels are much closer. and ignoring percentage. do you hear the Millions of Mac users complaining. err, no. they support their company. holding in it in"awe" almost. that's a far cry from the view on many MS users. apart from the above, i stand by my comments. as i am not being alone, in this view, not by a very long way, its unlikely to be a personal vendetta.

 

[ManofScience]

thing is, many who buy a PC. dont have "modest" levels of IT know how.

which is why MS do well, they brought PC's into peoples home, one of bill gates 'visions'. Windows took computers from geeks hidden away to everyones grannie wanting a PC at home - could you have even envisaged that 15 years ago? i remember a PHD student friend of mine getting a beta of Win95 when PC's were still expensive and only for the computer nerds - look at the world now.


it's easy to bash the big companies

 

[djdenero]

I really don't get all the vista and ms bashing that goes on. No one spends more money and man hours on an OS then ms. ergo it is far more advanced. That is what makes a great product. No matter what you say vista is better then any other OS that has come before. No doubt once windows 7 comes out it will be the best.

I'm not going to bash vista because it has worked flawlessly and has NEVER crashed on me. plus it wasn't pre installed either. If it appears crap for you, it's probably your own fault. Some people just bash things because they like the sound of there own voices.

 

[hoppy]

I really don't get all the vista and ms bashing that goes on. No one spends more money and man hours on an OS then ms. ergo it is far more advanced. That is what makes a great product. No matter what you say vista is better then any other OS that has come before. No doubt once windows 7 comes out it will be the best.

I'm not going to bash vista because it has worked flawlessly and has NEVER crashed on me. plus it wasn't pre installed either. If it appears crap for you, it's probably your own fault. Some people just bash things because they like the sound of there own voices.

Are you taking drugs????

 

[ManofScience]

vista flawless? hardly.

i hate MS bashers but that statement it wholey wrong!

 

[pks00]

lol, hopefully better than their last attempt. Dont think I would still try it though, knowing ms, they would constantly be creating patches to fix their s/w