Windows anti-spyware to come free of charge

Spinner (Spinner) Ending speculation about whether it was shifting to a paid model, Microsoft said on Tuesday that it will provide customers with its new anti-spyware software for free.

February 16, 2005 3:42 PM ET in News,

Ending speculation about whether it was shifting to a paid model, Microsoft said on Tuesday that it will provide customers with its new anti-spyware software for free.

“Just as spyware is something that we have to nip down today, we have decided that all licensed Windows users should have that protection at no charge,” Gates said. The initiative is part of Microsoft’s efforts to strengthen security for home and business users of its Windows desktop software. Consumers are not always aware of the dangers of such threats as spyware, viruses and “phishing.” A study published last October found that more than 80 percent of consumers had been infected by spyware.

Source: Neowin

2 Comments:

  1. Camman
    16 Feb '05, 9:54 pm

    This is actually a really good program, and, I guess this will quiet all the naysayers who figured MS would release it and then after people got used to it charge for the program.

    I say thumbs up to Microsoft for continuing their commitment to help consumer keep their PC's secure, like the quote says, it should be their job to help consumers using legitimate versions of their software keep their OS secure, and this is definitly a step in the right direction.

  2. FormFactor
    17 Feb '05, 10:36 pm

    Tru dat! It is now the only spyware app I use, and it seems to get them all from what I can tell.

    There are a few bugs though, but it is still beta so I suppose they can be excused.

Troll-free since 2003 ®