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Not a good idea to include built-in anti-virus, in my opinion. Having one built-in means less experienced users won't bother searching for alternatives, and malware creators will have a clear target to crack if they know a majority of PC users are using one particular anti-virus program.

Totally agree with Michael. In-built Anti-virus is a clear target for Virus coders. Upside is it will probably sound the death-knell for Norton's and their Trial-ware installs on new PCs.

Monopoly - thy name is Micro$oft

Why don't they just get rid of Windows Defender and include Microsoft Security Essentials then? Another option might be to, the first time the user boots the PC, ask what AV they want and offer a ton of options, including MSE. (So that you don't have everyone using one program, plus it'll satisfy the EU anti-trust regulators.)

LiveBrianD, on 17 May 2012 - 08:34 PM, said:

Windows Defender on Windows 8 is MSE.

The important thing is for everyone to have some anti-virus protection. This makes the web safer for everyone. With the monopoly restriction the courts have placed on Microsoft, they will for sure make it an up front option for buyers to check out other anti-virus programs.

I have used both Norton and Mcafee antivirus for years, always depressed by the way the programs slowed my system and tried to nuke my internet, finally going to no antivirus for 2 years. So when MS released Security Essentials I tried it - found it significantly fewer problems in Xp and Vista than other commercial antivirus and for over a decade with all these programs and without - never a virus or download problem!

What I am saying here is that I think most people cause their own disasters by constantly flopping around on the internet > going to bad sites and browsing foolishly.

So if there is a default firewall and antivirus built-in to the OS then this has to be an improvement for many users.

What if you have multiple devices in your home, such as an iPad or Mac, or even an older WinXP PC? How does this control a kid from just using a non-Windows 8 device? Doesn't seem effective at all if you have other web-enabled gadgets!

I think is a great idea to include the antivirus with windows, that's one of the thinks i have always dislike about windows, i think is a good idea cause people that don't know to much about computers won't look for a antivirus to protect the computer. And for those who are saying that people won't have an option they do cause you can disable the windows antivirus and get which ever you like.

Most users dont want to spend $ on an antivirus program, so they would constantly use trial programs and just constantly renew subscriptions, whereas with Win8 and Win Defender you are being protected with built in software that was made to work with win8. Win8 has to have built in antivirus software because you sign into a microsoft account at statrup and Win8 connects email skydrive and live account at the start menu.

A basic AntiVirus built into Windows is needed. People tend to buy PC's use the free Anti Virus trial and never pay for it. So the definitions become out dated and your PC vulnerable. Having a least basic AV for some protection is a good ideal.

I will never use this horrible and frustrating OS.
Microsoft is going to be a huge loser with this OS.
I will wait till Windows 7 SP2 is released.

JohnUSA, on 19 May 2012 - 04:44 AM, said:

Or wait till Windows 9 comes out

JohnUSA, on 19 May 2012 - 04:44 AM, said:

So, who cares about what you plan to do?

nijaboy2, on 21 May 2012 - 03:58 AM, said:

He has a right to an opinion just like you. I care what he has to say or I wouldn't be on this page reading. I usually end up moving on to a new OS, but like the previous poster has said "I think I may wait for 7-SP2 or Windows 9 if Microsoft plans on building an OS strictly for PC's and laptops and stay away from trying to accommodate the Tablets and IPads. I haven't used the Consumer preview of Win 8 because it has gotten so much bad press and the fact that it looks like it's built for tablets and IPads has kept me away from going forward this time. I like the simplicity of Windows 7 plain and simple.

Why do I bother? I keep trying to find evaluations here, and I keep finding Microsoft's brochures.

I use Defender while installing a new PC as a minimal protection until I can download AVG.

I don't find easy to trust an antivirus that has to deal with attacks which profits from vulnerabilities in an operative system created by the same company.

MichaelMullins, on 17 May 2012 - 06:44 PM, said:

I know this is your opinion, but comments like this shows the ignorance or bias people might have. On this age of technology, all PC buyers except for Apple products knows of anti-virus and the need to have one. The Microsoft free anti-virus Essentials has prove time and time again that it's as good as the best paid anti-virus. It does not have all the bells and whistle as the pay anti-virus but it does the job just as well. For Malware it's not the best, but there are many excellent free anti-malware that you can combine with Essentials. Most consumer will buy their regular anti-virus of choice or get their choice of free ones.

As for less experienced users like you mention, they would not bother even to consider to buy an anti-virus. If they buy a Windows tablet they will no even think about it because most IPad users don't even think about this. But many Apple users are now finding out that their product are not free of virus as they were let to believe. So even a simple free anti-virus on your tablet, desktop, laptop is a good thing.

As for Norton, McAfee and others they already gave their blessing to Microsoft. If you remember a year or two ago, Norton and other anti-virus company made a big issue of Microsoft entering the anti-virus business, even treating to sue. But they make up and gave Microsoft their blessing. So what Microsoft is offering is a basic free anti-virus. It will never compete with the Anti-virus companies, and something is better than nothing. Do not underestimate PC users unlike Apple users that still believe a virus with never affect their computers or IPad.

JohnUSA, on 19 May 2012 - 04:44 AM, said:

Frustrating?!?!?!?!
After a few days of use, I found it quite intuitive actually.
To each their own I suppose.
Ludites will be Ludites, and resist at every turn.
I am not a huge fan of Win8 yet, but I do indeed like it; and that is on a 3 year old HP laptop with mouse gestures.
Quite easy to navigate really.
I again, don't understand all of the bitching. The "normal" desktop is there, right at your fingertips, or lower left corner click, for crying out loud!

I have MS Security Essentials on my

XP Laptop. It always hangs about one

quarter through every scan. I have

tried to update definitions but it

will not do it. ???