Microsoft Security Essentials: Free for Small Businesses

In the past I've spoken highly of Security Essentials, Microsoft's free anti-virus software. In fact, I think when you pair it with Windows' own built-in security tools, you've got (almost) everything you need to keep your PC locked down tight.

Starting next month, Microsoft will offer Security Essentials to businesses with up to 10 PCs. Granted, that's little more than a change in the licensing terms (the software was previously restricted to "consumer" use), but it's still a welcome development for businesses that like to play by the book.

In case you're not familiar with it, Security Essentials runs the same malware-protection engine used by Microsoft's enterprise products.

Maximum PC gave it an 8/10 rating, while TechRadar awarded it 4.5 stars out of 5. I've been using it myself for months, and love the way it operates quietly and efficiently in the background, alerting me only when it catches something.

I'm not saying it's the best security software money can't buy, just that if you run a small business, you'd do well to give it a long, hard look.