Microsoft Security Essentials now provides free antivirus protection for Small Businesses
There are a lot of great, free antivirus programs for Windows -- as long as you're using those programs at home. When it comes to options for the workplace, there's really nothing available for free.
At least, not until now. Starting in October, Microsoft is opening up the licensing for Security Essentials and will allow small businesses up to 10 users to utilize one of the top-rated, free antivirus apps on their systems. Dollar-wise, you're not talking about a gigantic savings -- 10 users would run around $270 per year for the customers I support who use NOD32 -- but it all adds up.
Still, that's money you could be spending elsewhere -- like a few small hardware upgrades or faster Internet access. Anyway you slice it, free MSE for your small business computers is great news!
At least, not until now. Starting in October, Microsoft is opening up the licensing for Security Essentials and will allow small businesses up to 10 users to utilize one of the top-rated, free antivirus apps on their systems. Dollar-wise, you're not talking about a gigantic savings -- 10 users would run around $270 per year for the customers I support who use NOD32 -- but it all adds up.
Still, that's money you could be spending elsewhere -- like a few small hardware upgrades or faster Internet access. Anyway you slice it, free MSE for your small business computers is great news!
Comments
12
Subscribe to commentsgsarigSep 22nd 2010 3:34PM
I think that Comodo Internet Security is also free for both personal and business use...
master811Sep 22nd 2010 4:20PM
The difference is that as good a firewall Comodo is (if not the best), the AV part of it still leaves much to be desired. There are far better alternatives.
blasztaSep 23rd 2010 3:30AM
I'm staying away from Comodo AV like a plague, although the firewall is good.
KualaBeeSep 23rd 2010 6:32AM
I too avoid Comodo AV for one supreme reason. The Defense plus in any setting crashes Starcraft 2. Look it up in google, this is a supreme lack of oversight on the part of comodo.
JPSep 22nd 2010 4:34PM
I wonder if this means we should be looking for an Aurora RTM around the same time? Or at least an Aurora plugin beta program -- the two would fit together nicely.
. . . and if that's the case, maybe a WHS Vail plugin for the rest of us?
Also, are you guys considering upgrading to disqus? Engadget uses it. . .
redringsSep 22nd 2010 5:38PM
How about free antivirus for small business servers! (Forefront?)
RohitSep 22nd 2010 7:31PM
I think this is going to be the release of MSE 2.0
RoadzySep 23rd 2010 2:04PM
the only problem with MSE is that it doesn't auto upgrade itself. I have it running on family member's PCs and unless they are aware enough to update it, it just sits there doing nothing. If they would incorporate a management console for a server then i think this would be a great thing other wise, it doesn't meet my needs of AV.
Lee MathewsSep 23rd 2010 2:05PM
MSE most definitely does update itself. The Windows Update service needs to be running, but if it is -- MSE autoupdates, just like any good AV program does.
RoadzySep 23rd 2010 2:54PM
the AV signatures updates but when there is a new client version it just sits there...
Lee MathewsSep 23rd 2010 2:55PM
The system tray icon does go red to alert you, I believe.
RoadzySep 23rd 2010 2:59PM
yea its an orangish red with a ! but that's the point being I'm talking about... people that are computer illiterate and doesn't know much about a computer. If it doesn't auto update it, then I have to come and manually update the software everytime. This would be the same problem in small businesses. They should just patch MSE the same way they do a windows patch and when it reboots apply the patch.