For the first 75,000 people who want it, the first beta of the new free antivirus solution from Microsoft is available to download now.
“Now?”
Well.. it is now.. but by the time you read this it may not be any longer. There is a limit, and high demand to try it out.
“What exactly is it?”
Remember Windows Live OneCare? This is it’s replacement. No more subscription – just free antivirus. When installed, it replaces Windows Defender and becomes a superset of it’s functionality – adding antivirus protection in a very high-performing, non-intrusive way.
“Did you download it?”
No.
“Why not?”
Because I work for Microsoft, and it would be wrong of me to get one if other people want it. I’ll try and get it through Microsoft internal resources. I want YOU to be able to try it!
And please let us know what you think!
—
UPDATE: Looks like all 75,000 copies have been downloaded.
Don’t let that stop you from learning more about it. And keep watching the Security Essentials page for more details.
Absolutely Full of I.T. 
Thank you for not taking up one of the 75,000 slots, Kevin. Thanks to your selflessness, I was able to grab a copy! 😉
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Cool! It couldn’t have gone to a nicer guy!
Just make sure you let me know how you like it!
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Not in my region (UK), unfortunately. I guess I’ll just have to be patient … 🙂
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For what it is worth, MSE is also available via Connect if your answers to the questionnaire pass the criteria – and it is open to customers in the UK in addition to those regions covered by the public beta.
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pcolmer – It’s only available via Connect at the moment. The link to the site on Microsoft’s site simply points you to Connect when you wish to download.
Kevin – I definitely will. I installed yesterday on Win7 RC, so far no problems. Give it a week and I’ll know more for sure.
Oh, and Happy Birthday! 🙂
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