Microsoft unveils Security Essentials, free Windows anti-virus

Microsoft has released a beta version of its new anti-virus software called Security Essentials, which will eventually become a free replacement for Windows Live OneCare.

The beta, which is now available for download in the United States, Israel, People's Republic of China and Brazil, is based upon Microsoft's Forefront Security client, and will eventually become free in more countries. Previously referred to during development as Morro, the new free anti-virus offering from Microsoft includes real-time virus and spyware protection, multiple built-in and customizable scan options, a scheduler, automatic definition file updates, a real-time defense shield, and rootkit protection. The idea is that this new offering will replace Windows Live OneCare, which Microsoft announced last year would be eventually phased out of existence. Microsoft has focused on making this latest attempt at breaking into the consumer anti-virus market as simple and easy to use as possible, whilst maintaining effective protection. "The hope is that people who install Security Essentials and enable auto updates in their Windows configuration will be protected automatically", Alan Packer, general manager of Microsoft's Anti-Malware team told CNET last Thursday. New anti-virus signatures are updated three times a day on Microsoft Update, and otherwise works in a similar fashion to other current anti-virus offerings. Microsoft has currently restricted downloads to 75,000, although they have said the restriction may be lifted at a later date if they feel it would be beneficial. You can download the beta here.