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

by Donald Melanson

posted Sep 29th 2009 at 1:27PM

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.

via engadget.com

The point of the system, he explains, was to guarantee an automatic Soviet response to an American nuclear strike. Even if the US crippled the USSR with a surprise attack, the Soviets could still hit back. It wouldn't matter if the US blew up the Kremlin, took out the defense ministry, severed the communications network, and killed everyone with stars on their shoulders. Ground-based sensors would detect that a devastating blow had been struck and a counterattack would be launched.

The technical name was Perimeter, but some called it Mertvaya Ruka, or Dead Hand. It was built 25 years ago and remained a closely guarded secret.

The scary thing is that Perimeter still works today. At least according to Valery Yarynich, a former Soviet colonel now 72 years old. Yarynich should know, though: He worked 30 years at the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces and Soviet General Staff helping to build it.

That includes every single nuclear weapon, every one of the Russian Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles in ground silos, nuclear submarines, and heavy bombers around the world. Scary stuff indeed.

Flight of the Conchords say they're coming to Rock Band

by David Hinkle

{ Sep 22nd 2009 at 12:25PM }

The Emmys is, like, an awards show for television or something -- whatever, doesn't matter. What does matter is that Flight of the Conchords was nominated for an award, so FOTC creators and stars Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie were on hand at the show. During a red carpet interview, Bret confirmed to TV Guide that the group's musical musings are headed to Rock Band (watch the video interview past the break). Previously, the band's label, Sub Pop, announced plans to convert its "entire catalog" into playable tracks.

Bret claimed that a total of three songs would be added to the Rock Band Music Store, though neither he nor Jemaine would elaborate on which songs would be released. Hey guys, make it happen:

• It's Business Time
• Albi (the racist dragon)
  
• Humans are Dead

Which FOTC tunes are you praying to play?

[Via Kotaku]

Tags: dlc, ea, electronic-arts, flight-of-the-conchords, harmonix, mtv-games, music, rhythm, rock-band, rock-band-2

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