Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware Will Remain Free

[Kr0m]

Bill Gates announced today at a conference in San Fran., that MS's AntiSpyware will remain free (for personal use) even after the Beta period expires.

Since December, Microsoft has rolled out new capabilities to assist customers in combating malicious or unwanted software and removing it from their machines, including the beta version of Windows AntiSpyware. Customers have downloaded more than 6 million copies of Windows AntiSpyware since it became available Jan. 6, 2005. Gates announced the company's plan for making the personal version of the final Windows AntiSpyware software available at no additional charge to licensed Windows customers as part of the Windows value proposition. The offering will offer full functionality to consumers, including the ability to detect and remove spyware, continual protection that helps guard against more than 50 ways that Web sites and programs can put spyware on a PC, and protection against the latest threats through the combined efforts of the SpyNet™ community and Microsoft researchers. For business customers, with more complex infrastructure support, management and deployment needs, Microsoft plans a managed anti-spyware solution that will be available as part of a paid solution.

More info HERE

 

[NetRyder]

I was really hoping it would remain free. Great news

 

[Perris Calderon]

let's just hope it doesn't put the other applications out of bussiness

 

[LordOfLA]

so when do I get my refund from MS/Giant seeing my subscription was cut short?

 

[Mastershakes]

let's just hope it doesn't put the other applications out of bussiness

It would be tough, the best ones out there are free as well

 

[jimi_81]

When I heard Microsoft would be charging a fee for the service I was very disappointed. This is great news. Its good to see they are acting responsibly to protect their customers from their vulnerable products.

 

[damnyank]

I think that's great!!!:suprised:

 

[polyglory]

so when do I get my refund from MS/Giant seeing my subscription was cut short?

Yep I agree, I only had it 2 weeks and Bill got it :devious:

 

[Un4gIvEn1]

Lets keep in mind that when a company sells out to another company, it's not the company that buys them that is screwing you, it's the company that sold out.

 

[NetRyder]

...and it never works that way. You can forget about a refund.
It's too much of a logistical hassle to get refunds out to every customer who paid. When Google took over Picasa and made it free, there were no refunds either. I guess you can have the satisfaction of supporting a good product that you like, and be thankful that you won't need to renew your subscription/license again.

 

[NetRyder]

And a beta refresh has been released. News post here:
http://www.osnn.net/comments.php?shownews=11805

 

[polyglory]

It would appear I am ok getting updates for Giant, but all the developements are going into this Beta Version.

Question : Do I hangfire until they get to a final version of it, or go to this Beta version. I am usually not happy running Beta versions on the System., though I realise this is a slightly different case.

 

[Electronic Punk]

Nice1 NetRyder

 

[NetRyder]

Nice1 NetRyder

Thanks. Looks like OSNN was the first to post the news this time?

It would appear I am ok getting updates for Giant, but all the developements are going into this Beta Version.

Question : Do I hangfire until they get to a final version of it, or go to this Beta version. I am usually not happy running Beta versions on the System., though I realise this is a slightly different case.

As far as stability goes, the beta has been rock solid (I'm referring to the initial build...I only just installed the refresh). I don't know what the difference is between the two versions, to be honest. Since you bought the license, you could possibly contact GIANT support and ask them?

 

[polyglory]

Thanks Netryder,

The site says this:

For currently licensed customers of Giant Software, Microsoft will continue to provide the same level of support for the Spam Inspector, Popup Inspector, and Giant AntiSpyware products as offered by Giant Software prior to its acquisition.

However I have filled in a task sheet and will see what happens

 

[NetRyder]

Actually, this should answer your question

Note to current GIANT AntiSpyware Users
Current GIANT AntiSpyware users with active subscriptions are advised to continue to use their existing software until those subscriptions end. If your subscription to GIANT AntiSpyware has expired, you will need to first uninstall any previous versions of GIANT AntiSpyware before downloading and installing the Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) software.

Apparently, there are also some benefits for customers who paid for a subscription before the takeover:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/currentcustomers.mspx