Microsoft (MSFT) thinks everyone who runs Windows should be using antivirus software. I can just hear the cynics saying: “They ought to know—it’s their buggy software the hackers are exploiting.” In fact, over the past five years, Microsoft has made huge strides in protecting its systems against attacks. Now it’s moving to the next level.
Microsoft works hard to make sure its programmers write secure code. But the company’s executives know that even with the most diligent process, there will always be flaws that provide openings for the bad guys. They also know that an unprotected system is a peril not only to its owner, who risks the loss of user names, passwords, and other vital information, but also to the community. A large percentage of the malicious programs out there are designed to capture PCs so they can be used to spew spam or launch attacks.
A few years ago, Microsoft tried, unsuccessfully, to get into the paid security business with a service called OneCare. Now management has decided that if they can’t sell it, they will give it away. Microsoft Security Essentials is a basic antivirus program that scans your system for malware, checks files that you bring into your computer through downloads or media such as flash drives, and tries to block sneak downloads from hostile Web sites. It works with Windows 7, Vista, and XP and is available for download now as a test version. The final product is due before yearend.
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