Microsoft offers free anti-malware tool

Known as Microsoft Security Essentials, the service launches tomorrow and is built on the same core security technology found in its security solutions for business. The service is designed to run in the background and only alerts users when there is an action for them to take.

Microsoft said that it hopes to promote adoption of anti-virus protection across end consumers “which in turn will help increase security across the entire Windows ecosystem”.

The service doesn’t require registration or a trial offer, and will be available for download here.

The service is launching in 19 countries, including New Zealand and is available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 including Windows XP mode on both x32 and x64 PCs.