windows antivirus software for os?

[burns]

Does windows 9x, 2k/me or even xp have any type of antivirus software built in? Seems to me they could make a crummy one and jack the price up with the new "added security". But seriously, does any OS, Windows or otherwise have any real antivirus software? Just wondering.

[Info_Au]

Would you trust "Microsoft" with your virus protection too??
"YOU'VE GOT TO BE JOKING??":confused:

[burns]

No, i wouldn't "trust" microsoft, but still, shouldn't they try to improve security throught internet explorer?

[prana]

NO, I wouldnt trust Microsoft but alot of companys used their o/s. I.E. does improve security well but not always. When security expert found that Microsoft leaks or so. They always let Microsoft know so they will create new security.

[darkes]

The answer is no. Very few OS have this sort of thing as a standard. Most flavours of *nix don't include this either, although you will find this built into a mainframe OS. XP has a sort of firewall, but you would be very unwise to trust that to stop anything nasty from happening.

[dcongram]

MS did include an Anti-Virus with MS Dos 6.22. I think if you did "setup /e" it installed it, otherwise by default it was not there. But they never posted any AV updates. Once Windows 95 (eventually) arrived, it was dropped. (just my 2 cents worth)

[cwk9]

Windows 3.1 and MS Dos 6.22(not 100% sure on that one) had antivirus software. It was crap and was worthless against viruses but it was free and it made you feel better.