Morro/Microsoft Essentials on June 23 as Beta for Genuine Windows users only

That is the date of the availability of Morro/Microsoft Essentials.  Mary Jo Foley received information from Microsoft’s Anti-Malware team’s Program Manager – Alan Packer.

Windows users who will fail the WAT (formerly known as WGA) cannot enjoy the free anti-virus from Microsoft.

More in http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=3120

Published Fri, Jun 19 2009 1:47 by donna

Comments

Friday, June 19, 2009 4:11 AM by Basil

# re: Morro/Microsoft Essentials on June 23 as Beta for Genuine Windows users only

I am waiting to see how it will compare with other AV products.....No doubt it will be put through its paces, soon enough!

Friday, June 19, 2009 5:54 AM by donna

# re: Morro/Microsoft Essentials on June 23 as Beta for Genuine Windows users only

Microsoft, ESET and Kasperky took the lead (with highest certification) in the recent comparative test, Basil:

www.brighthub.com/.../microsoft-eset-and-kaspersky-took-the-lead-in-the-latest-comparative-test.aspx

It's great that there's another free AV for people to choose and use.  AntiVir, Avast, ClamWin, AVG and this upcoming... MSE by Microsoft.

Friday, June 19, 2009 10:09 AM by Se7eN

# re: Morro/Microsoft Essentials on June 23 as Beta for Genuine Windows users only

I'm not sure why anyone would use M$ AV. This is the same company that sends files to your HD despite the fact that updates was turned off. I have a hard time trusting M$ product. They leave so many holes open and now they come up with a free AV. No Thanks

Saturday, June 20, 2009 3:28 AM by donna

# re: Morro/Microsoft Essentials on June 23 as Beta for Genuine Windows users only

It depends what update is pushed and your settings.  They usually explain why there's an update pushed to a machine.  If you have AU turned off, there should be no files coming in from MS.  

Why people would use MS AV depends on their experience with another AV that they had.  Even paid antivirus cannot catch it all and can caused major problem in the users machine due to bug and false positive so if this free antimalware by Microsoft will continue to have advanced rating every time is tested by antivirus testing labs, it will help users.  

What important here is there is another free antivirus that people can use or try before making another decision: to pork out cash for AV or stay with free AV.