Microsoft currently sells a subscription service product for consumer computer security called Live OneCare. It takes care of AV, firewall, spyware, etc. I’ve used the trial and I reckoned it was pretty good for the domestic user. I didn’t subscribe – I’ve been using AVG free for a while now (Avast beforehand) and I find it pretty good.
According to Bink, MS are going to stop selling OneCare via retail in June 2009 and replace it with a free product. The aim is to get as many people protected as possible, thus giving Windows consumers the protection from malware that they need. The decision to phase out OneCare allows MS to focus their efforts on a single consumer product. Making it free spreads the cover of their protection to the maximum possible install base.
Credit: Bink.