| |
Microsoft Corp. has plans for releasing the beta version of the free computer security program by next week. This is the step taken prior to the launch of the completed product which will be released during fall of 2009.
The security program called the Microsoft Security Essentials has been designed for finding as well as killing the malicious software which can help in stealing the passwords as well as other personal information which then turns the PCs into spam distribution hubs.
Once a person installs the PC security software, Microsoft will then start downloading the updated lists of identified malware on a daily basis. But till very lethal software is detected, the software will keep a low profile.
According to Theresa Burch of Microsoft security team, the program tries to spot malicious software even if it is not on the list of known corrupters. When it encounters something suspicious, it checks with a Microsoft server for updated intelligence before allowing the program to run a process almost instantaneously.
Microsoft also maintains a database of trusted software sources. So things like Google Inc.'s Web browser toolbar will not be blocked.
Security Essentials will compete with rival subscription programs from McAfee Inc. and Symantec Corp., and with several other free packages. The aim of Microsoft is to provide a better awareness related to security threats to the people who do not have any security programs installed in their PC.
Even though the program will come as a free download, it will not be present Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, which goes on sale in October.
After the final version launches, Microsoft will discontinue the existing security program.
