Journal 9, June 14

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090611/tc_nm/us_microsoft_security

Ever get tired of viruses corrupting your computer or better yet, paying for a yearly subscription to software that is supposed to prevent it? Having to renew this virus software yearly can be a hassle and another expense that many would like to prevent. Recently announced the world's largest software manufacturer, Microsoft, will be releasing a free anti-virus service for personal computers. This new software is currently in the testing phase by allowing the employees of Microsoft test the product. Currently there is no release date to the public, but it is expected before the close of 2009. This announcement comes as relief to many, including me. It is inevitable that anti-virus software is needed in today's cyber-age, but myself and many others do not like the hassle and cost of renewal each year. Having a reputable name such as Microsoft plan to release a free version in the near future is likely to draw the attention of many. Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., the two largest producers of the current yearly renewal software, told reporters that they do not see this new software as a threat to them.

"Microsoft's free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves," said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. "A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected."

The final product that Microsoft will produce, and its capabilities are currently unknown. But it seems to me that if other subscription products are looked at on an equivalent level, the everyday consumer will go for the free version. Why pay $30-$40 annually when a free version is legally available? I also realize that there are currently free versions of anti-virus on the market, but it is my hope that a reputable name such as Microsoft will produce a competitive and effective software. In the end it does make me wonder how in-depth and effective this product will prove to be. I hope that Microsoft will take its time developing this software and make it right before jumping the gun on the release. A free effective product with Microsoft tagged on it, will gain a lot of respect and use from the personal computer users.

http://www.spy.im/microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-anti-virus-software-5-146297.html

http://www.wincert.net/news/1464-microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-virus-software.html