Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus software is now live and free

In a move that's sure to please a few million Windows users and break the hearts of a handful of anti-virus companies, Microsoft has now finally made the non-beta version of its Security Essentials software available to the general public, and it's not even asking that you throw a launch party to get it for free. For those not in on the beta or following Microsoft's exciting forays into freeware, the software promises to cover all the security basics and fend off viruses, spyware and other malicious software, and Microsoft even assures us that it'll "run quietly in the background" and only intrude on your life when an action is required. You'll also, of course, get free updates on a regular basis, and it'll work just fine whether you use Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 -- hit up the link below to grab a copy.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[DasUbahPotts Posted Jun 1st 2010 6:13AM]

This is how good it is - read the article.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Security-Essentials-Now-Windows-7-RTM-Certified-125205.shtml

These are the important bits though:

Products with ICSA Labs Certification for detection:
• ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 on Windows 7 64-bit
• Microsoft Forefront Client Security on Windows 7 64-bit
• Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit
• Norman Security Suite on Windows 32-bit
• PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus on Windows 7 32-bit
• Webroot AntiVirus with SpySweeper on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit.
• Webroot Internet Security Essentials on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit

Products with ICSA Labs Anti-Virus Certification for cleaning:
• ESET Nod32 Antivirus on Windows 7 64-bit
• Microsoft Forefront Client Security on Windows 7 64-bit
• Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit
• Webroot Internet Security Essentials on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit
• Webroot AntiVirus with SpySweeper on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit

We use Eset in my business, and since upgrading from Sophos, we've not had a sniff of trouble. That Microsoft have relesed an AV that has secured the same certificates indicates to me, at least, that it's a bloody good program.