MS Releases Free Antivirus: But No Free Lunch

The old adage is still very much relevant today: there is no such thing as a free lunch. The meaning, of course, is that while something may appear to be free, there is almost always going to be strings attached.

Such is the case concerning Microsoft with their latest "free" antivirus offering. The new software, Microsoft Security Essentials (also codenamed "Morro") was introduced under the assumption that millions of people would soon get a chance to experience a more secure PC, laptop or netbook.

But as the wait time for the beta version release dwindled down to mere hours yesterday, Microsoft threw an exception that the program would now be exclusive to only the first 75,000 people who downloaded the software. (Source: computerworld.com)

Previous Download Cap Overwhelmed Servers

Microsoft doesn't have the best luck with capping downloads for previews of their latest software.

In January, Microsoft made the mistake of informing the public that the launch of the Windows 7 Beta was set to be capped at a fixed number. Expectedly (to almost everyone but Microsoft) servers became quickly overwhelmed with thousands of people rushing out to grab a copy before it was too late.

Microsoft has presented their new software as a basic antivirus and antispyware product that consumes less memory and disk space than other high-profiled vendors like Symantec and McAfee. Best of all, the company claims, the program will even be suitable for low-powered netbooks. (Source: pcworld.com)

Hack Attack Likely Back

Analysts believe that consumers will not be the only ones eager to preview the new software. Rival companies are set to match their wares against the "newest antivirus program on the market". A little more bothersome, however, is the ever-presence of hackers.

It is safe to say that more than a few people expect Microsoft to fall prey to a number of able hackers, with one former hacker-turned-security-expert going so far as to claim that "malware writers will likely poke through this (software) like a rat into Swiss cheese." (Source: computerworld.com)

Given the new cap, at least there will be fewer targets for Internet vermin.