Microsoft will be offering a free, stripped-down version of its Windows Live OneCare PC security tool
Free security software for PC users — the light bulb has finally started to go off in Microsoft’s head. For years, Microsoft has tortured consumers and IT departments alike by offering trial versions of security products. That was a 1980s marketing tactic, and it was a good one for the times, when buying software was the norm, DOS ruled, and Microsoft, with its low prices and graphical interfaces, was the good guy. But today a good deal of software is free — users pay for professional support and service if they want it — and Windows is the preferred target of script kiddies and cyber-mobsters alike. By giving away desktop security, Microsoft is doing what it can to help Windows users defend themselves.
Expect Symantec and others to scream “monopoly” at this move. Of course, the entire world of endpoint security is a-changin’. Symantec is experiencing a transition of its own — this week, its 10-year CEO, John Thompson, announced he is retiring.) But given the mass growth in malware in the last decade, offering free security to PC users only makes sense.
Visit the Microsoft Subnet web site for more news, blogs, podcasts. Also see:Symantec & McAfee Finally Get Run For Money10 questions for Small Business Server/Essential Business Server guy, Russ Madlener7 Keys to cleaning up Windows with Windows 7Library of Windows management tools from A Better Windows Worldall Microsoft Subnet bloggers.bi-weekly Microsoft newsletter. (Click on News/Microsoft News Alert.)Windows Live – Live The Confusion
Advocate says IPv6 will reduce global energy usage
Subscribe to
Sign up for the
