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Microsoft’s anti- virus software passes litmus test
by Jaspreet Virk - June 25, 2009 - comments
Within 24 hours after its launch, Microsoft succeeded in achieving 75,000 downloads of its free antivirus software
New York, June 24: Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), Microsoft's security software, has passed the anti-virus test. The software launched Wednesday on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, succeeded in preliminary malware detection testing where it was used to clear AV-Test's "WildList" collection of 3,194 common viruses, bots, and worms.
AV-Test coordinator Andreas Marx stated, “All files were properly detected and treated by the product.” He further added, “several other [antivirus] scanners are still not able to detect and kill all of these critters yet."
AV-Comparabives.org, an antivirus testing lab said it would test MSE in August this year and release the results within a month.
Beta program filled up
Microsoft had made available free beta of its software. Within 24 hours after its launch, Microsoft succeeded in achieving 75,000 downloads of its free antivirus product. It has now stopped offering the downloads.
Users who now try to download the software will come across a message on MSE’s homepage, stating, "Alert! Thank you for your interest in joining the Microsoft Security Essentials Beta. We are not accepting additional participants at this time. Please check back at later a date for possible additional availability."
Microsoft disappoints competitor
After Microsoft’s successful attempt in launching the software in the market, an arch rival disapproved the whole effort. It just doesn't give you the protection that you need," argued J.R. Smith, the chief executive officer of AVG Technologies, a company leading in free antivirus software.
"People aren't worried about antivirus anymore. Most of it is just noise. [Security Essentials] will help, especially in emerging markets. But it's centered around viruses, which the bad guys aren't really pushing anymore," he added.