Free anti-virus software anyone?

Microsoft just released a free version of what was once a paid product called OneCare. OneCare was a bit on the bloated side though (much like Norton Security Suite) and didn’t sell well so Microsoft dumped it and instead just released a free product called Windows Security Essentials.

I previously used the AVG Free product but this is far more fully featured and less annoying as it silently updates itself in the background as new threats come up. It replaces the annoying windows defender.

Its free and available for Windows XP, Vista, and 7. The only possible gotcha they have included is that it checks if your copy of windows is “genuine” but that shouldn’t be a problem unless you bought your copy of Windows from a stall in a market. Anyway, get it here from the Microsoft Security Essentials Page

For a full review with screenshots see Paul Thurrotts article