And MSE had some weird licensing for "free", it looks like:
Wikipedia:
FWIW.
Agreed about the other suggestions, of course. ;-)
Cheers,
Scott.
(Who uses SEP via work and hasn't kept up with MS's stuff.)
Wikipedia:
Future[edit]
Main article: Windows Defender
Microsoft Security Essentials does not run on Windows 8, which has its own security subsystem. On 13 September 2011, at Build conference in Anaheim, California, Microsoft unveiled the developer preview of Windows 8, which had a security component capable of preventing an infected USB flash memory from compromising the system during the boot process.[36][37] On 15 September, Windows 8 developer's blog confirmed that Windows Defender in Windows 8 would take over the role of virus protection. In an included video, Jason Garms of Microsoft showed how Windows Defender is registered with Action Center as an AV and spyware protection tool, and how it blocks drive-by malware.[38] On 3 March 2012, Softpedia reviewed the consumer preview of Windows 8 and noted the similarity in appearance of Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0 Beta. According to Softpedia, Windows 8 Setup requires Microsoft Security Essentials to be uninstalled before upgrading Windows 7.[39]
Licensing[edit]
Screen dump
The product's license agreement allows home users to download, install and use it on an unlimited number of computers in their households free of charge, so long as each computer has a legitimately licensed copy of Microsoft Windows.[6] Since October 2010, small businesses have also been allowed to install the product on up to 10 devices,[40] but use in academic institutions and governmental locations is forbidden, as is reverse-engineering, decompiling or disassembling the product or working around its designed limitations.[6]
MSE requires no registration or personal information to be submitted during installation;[41] however, the validity of the operating system's license is verified during and after installation using the Windows Genuine Advantage system. If said license is found to be invalid, the software will notify the user and will cease to operate after a period of time.[6]
FWIW.
Agreed about the other suggestions, of course. ;-)
Cheers,
Scott.
(Who uses SEP via work and hasn't kept up with MS's stuff.)