In the comments, Glenn points to a section of today’s press release that I just plain missed. Microsoft Announces Availability of New Solutions to Help Protect Customers Against Spyware and Viruses:
In January 2004 Microsoft released a series of removal tools, each of which targeted a single virus or worm and some of its variants. Collectively, these tools augmented existing antivirus protections by scanning more than 55 million PCs worldwide for viruses such as Blaster, MyDoom and Download.Ject. The new Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool consolidates these existing removal tools into a single solution. The tool will be updated on the second Tuesday of each month as part of Microsoft’s monthly software security update process to respond to new viruses, worms and variants.
The Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool will be offered in the following ways:
- As a high-priority update through Windows Update and through Auto Update for the more than 112 million Windows XP-based PCs configured to receive priority updates automatically
- Through a simple, online interface.
- For larger corporate customers, a download through the Microsoft Download Center
Available at no charge, the Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool is designed to augment traditional antivirus solutions to provide more complete protection against viruses, worms and variants. As with Microsoft’s earlier removal tools, the new solution incorporates the knowledge and technology gained through Microsoft’s acquisition of GeCAD Software in 2003.
Hard to tell what this really means. It isn’t exactly an antivirus program, but it sure sounds like the first step on the road to one.
Ed Bott 