Microsoft AntiSpyware to stay free

There's no beer involved, but according to Steve Dodson's blog Microsoft's AntiSpyware will NOT be a commercial application. That is, it will remain free for anyone running a genuine XP install. As long as you do the "Windows Genuine Advantage" thing, no problem. Apparently someone had posted up a purported comment from an MS employee stating AntiSpyware was no longer going to be free. Never trust those message boards, kids.

Steve goes on to explain that MS has said from day one that AntiSpyware will continue to be free. They will be rolling out an Enterprise edition so companies can administer the app as any good company would — from a server. Also, he reiterated the May announcement on OneCare, which is a bundle of services including antivirus, firewall, PC maintenance, and  backup (for data and settings). OneCare will charge, but it's still in beta for now as well.

 

Tags: antispyware, freeware, microsoft, windows+genuine+advantage, WindowsGenuineAdvantage