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Microsoft Releases Free Antivirus
Today, Microsoft released a new, free (free as in Free Beer) antivirus program called Microsoft Security Essentials. This new program is available for Windows XP 32-bit, Windows Vista and Windows 7 32-bit, and Windows Vista and Windows 7 64-bit operating systems.
I decided to give this new antivirus program a try on my installation of Windows 7 Release Candidate. The download was straight forward and the installation was almost straight forward. My first attempt at installation failed due to my Windows 7 OS not being activated. After downloading updates from Windows Update and rebooting, I was back in business. Here's some screen shots of the installation.
MSE Installation Step 1
MSE Installation Step 2
MSE Installation Step 3
MSE Installation Step 4
MSE Installation Step 5
MSE Installation Step 6
MSE First Run Update
After the update was complete MSE launched into a system scan.
MSE First Run Scan
I didn't stick around to see how long the scan took. Either way, your mileage will vary based on the size of your system.
Overall, the interface looked clean and straight forward, unlike some of the other free alternatives. (Yes, I'm talking about you, avast!)
MSE has scored well in independent benchmarking for virus detection, so it appears that it may be a good choice for users who don't want to fuss with settings and scan schedules.
It's too bad Microsoft chose to only offer their antivirus to validated versions of Windows, but I understand their reasoning. If they did remove this restriction it could help make the internet safer for everyone considering the number of botnet zombies in the world. There are common hacks to make a pirated Windows installation appear to be properly validated, so the validation check may prove to be moot anyway.
I applaud Microsoft for making this software available to their users for free. It's a good step toward making the Windows OS more secure.
Three More Reasons Not To Use Linux
Last week I read a half-witted blog post citing "3 Reasons why we shouldn't use Linux". I've got one tip for TechBirdy, the blog author.
TechBirdy's reasons are either borne out of complete ignorance, or from a desire to spread pure FUD.
Being a Linux user, I thought: what are some good reasons to not use Linux? The following are the best reasons I could come up with.
1. Software updates are too frequent.
Most Linux distro's post updates several times per month. How can you be assured that these updates have been thoroughly tested if they don't follow a strict schedule for release? You would be much better off using an OS that provides updates on the second Tuesday of each month. That way you know that the updates are of the highest possible quality. Better yet, use an OS that charges it's customers for relatively minor updates. Nothing comforts me more than paying at least $29 for some minor updates. The fact that they charge for the updates assures that the software has been thoroughly tested. I think $29 is a small price to pay for a little peace of mind.
2. Not all hardware is supported.
When you purchase a new piece of computer equipment, you can count on getting a CD with the official Windows system drivers to help you get your new hardware working (or at least get the web address to download the drivers). When was the last time you bought something that had a CD of Linux drivers with it? Sure, there's a pretty good chance that your hardware will just work right out of the box with Linux, but there's a chance it won't. Can you really afford to take that chance? Linux programmers are much too busy adding system support for new technology that no one uses yet, like USB 3.0 or IPv6.
3. It doesn't run exe's.
Linux can't natively run Windows .exe files. Sure, there's the Wine compatability layer, or Crossover Office (based on Wine), but when you receive a free application in your email from a wealthy Nigerian gentleman who wants to give you millions of dollars for just a few minutes of your time, who has time for compatability layers. It's best to just get down to installing that program. Time is money, and your time is valuable. After all, you're about to become a millionaire!
I'm sure there are lots of other good reasons not to use Linux. Let me know in the comments.