Security company CA is bringing out a free beta version of eTrust EZ Antivirus for Windows Vista Beta 2. This is not the first time the company has handed out free software.
CA’s usual strategy is to hand out limited or simple versions of software, then let a more powerful and complete version carry the freight in the form of a hefty price tag. Not that there’s anything really wrong with that and it’s a long way from illegal. On the other hand, one could make case for saying that some inexperienced users might grab the security software and think that they were adequately protected from all viruses. Sadly, that would be a mistake. They’d fall victim to the first heavy-duty virus or worm that came along and add another clueless user to the zombie ranks.
In any case, you can pick up a copy of the free beta version at its Web site. The beta is usable free for one year, by which time a wider offering should be available and Vista should be in general release. Of course Vista will include a Microsoft anti-virus program and a firewall, but its offerings have historically been little better than beginner versions themselves.
If you use Vista Beta 2, go grab this. Be careful, but be safe. The best defense is a smart user!