REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft Corp. says its new computer security program can be downloaded starting on Tuesday.
Microsoft Security Essentials, as the free antivirus software is called, has been available in a beta test version since June.
The
software updates daily to stay current with the latest malicious
programs, which can steal passwords or turn PCs into spam servers.
Microsoft says it won't make computers run slower.
Microsoft
has said it isn't out to steal business from companies like McAfee Inc.
and Symantec Corp., which make popular antivirus programs with more
features. Microsoft says it hopes the free program will appeal to
people who don't already run antivirus software.