Microsoft has released a free beta of its upcoming anti-virus application.

According to Microsoft, the new anti-virus application known as Windows OneCare Live consumer beta is "like taking your PC in for a tune up at the service station". The release is part of the forthcoming Windows OneCare set of deliverables, and yesterday the OneCare team admitted that some users may be put on waiting lists while attempting to get the software in order for Microsoft to determine its effectiveness.

Microsoft announced in May that it would be releasing an anti-virus application based on software developed by GeCad, a Romanian anti-virus company that Microsoft purchased several years ago. ®

Copyright © 2005, SecurityFocus

Related stories

• Security software: Microsoft accused of predatory pricing (22 June 2006)
• Microsoft's OneCare virus eater goes live (31 May 2006)
• Windows support program bent to fit (12 January 2006)
• 2005 in review Rootkits, cybercrime and OneCare (27 December 2005)
• MS security bundling plan causes waves (10 October 2005)
• Virus naming scheme gets mixed reception (6 October 2005)
• MS goes a bundle on malware protection (6 October 2005)
• MS punts all-in-one security and backup service (13 May 2005)
• Microsoft buys anti-spyware firm Giant (16 December 2004)
• Microsoft enters AV market (11 June 2003)