Microsoft’s new computer security program, Microsoft Security Essentials, has left beta and can be downloaded starting on Tuesday for free.
Microsoft is hoping to appeal to people who don’t already run anti-virus software rather than going head to head with offerings from McAfee, CA and Symantec. In the free market, AVG is currently the market leader.
The software updates daily via signature files (AKA definitions file) to stay current with the latest malicious programs. Microsoft claims Microsoft Security Essentials won’t make computers run slower.
The beta version of Microsoft Security Essential anti-virus software has been available since June.