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Microsoft doesn't earn billions of dollars every month by giving away its software. But even Microsoft is no stranger to offering freebies in a bid to increase customer loyalty.
More Freebie stories: Is there free stuff for online security? | Cloud storage free-for-all: Will other players match SugarSync's 5GB giveaway?
There was CEO Steve Ballmer handing out new Windows Phone 7 devices to every developer at the recent Professional Developers Conference at Microsoft headquarters - and all 89,000 Microsoft employees will get their own free Windows phone. (See also Microsoft Windows after 25 years: A visual history)
But you don't have to trek all the way to Redmond or work for Microsoft to take advantage of free technologies from one of the world's largest software companies. Let's take a look at some of the free Microsoft products that might appeal to IT pros, business users and consumers alike.
Security Essentials
Microsoft's free anti-malware product for Windows PCs was first released in September 2009, and Microsoft recently altered the licensing agreement to let small businesses run Security Essentials on up to 10 computers. Microsoft also offers EMET (Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit), a free download that can harden legacy applications and generally make it more difficult for attackers to exploit software vulnerabilities.
Network Access Protection
This "free, basic NAC for Windows-only shops" is included with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows...