Microsoft is releasing a test version of its free security software on Tuesday in the US, Brazil and Israel, aiming for broader adoption than it had with a previous paid-for product. Dubbed Microsoft Security Essentials, the program will compete with free distributions from the likes of AVG Technologies and Panda Software, as well as a plethora of more extensive fee-based security ware. To head off antitrust objections, Microsoft will not bundle the program with Windows 7 or other products. Microsoft executives said that they were seeking to reach consumers in the developing world who had unguarded PCs that were prey for malicious software.
