Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus software is now live and free

In a move that’s sure to please a few million Windows users and break the hearts of a handful of anti-virus companies, Microsoft has now finally made the non-beta version of its Security Essentials software available to the general public, and it’s not even asking that you throw a launch party to get it for free. For those not in on the beta or following Microsoft’s exciting forays into freeware, the software promises to cover all the security basics and fend off viruses, spyware and other malicious software, and Microsoft even assures us that it’ll “run quietly in the background” and only intrude on your life when an action is required. You’ll also, of course, get free updates on a regular basis, and it’ll work just fine whether you use Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 — hit up the link below to grab a copy.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]