MSN Hotmail Becomes First Web-Based E-Mail Delivering Free Virus Detection Software From Network Associates

World's Largest E-Mail Provider Leads the Way in Providing Secure E-Mail Environment

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- MSN™ Hotmail, the world's largest e-mail service, today announced that it now offers Network Associates Inc.'s popular McAfee VirusScan software free to its 30 million members. Hotmail is the first Web-based e-mail service to offer an anti-virus service to help protect its members from viruses received via file attachments.

Hotmail's 30 million members have the option to scan attachments with Network Associates' McAfee VirusScan software before downloading. This option is available to members regardless of operating system or geographic location and addresses all attachments other than in-line graphics presented within the message text. Hotmail members also have the opportunity to purchase VirusScan from Network Associates for additional protection that covers the users' entire PC system.

"Our goal is to provide the safest possible e-mail environment," said Don Bradford, Hotmail general manager. "Making VirusScan a part of our service is the logical next step in our efforts to educate and protect our members, and something we know is important to them."

"McAfee VirusScan offers Hotmail customers an outstanding solution to protect themselves online," said Sal Viveros, director of product marketing for the Total Virus Defense division at Network Associates. "With more than 40 million users worldwide, VirusScan is the world's most trusted name in desktop and Internet virus security."

About VirusScan

VirusScan delivers a 100 percent detection rate and is equipped with an automatic repair function for cleaning complex and multiple infections. The retail version of the software incorporates a point-and-click interface for easy scanning and configuration, as well as an electronic virus information library containing expert information on the latest viruses.

VirusScan ensures complete protection from all sources of viruses -- including floppy disks, Internet downloads, e-mail attachments, networks, shared files, CD-ROMs and online services -- and also scans inside the most popular compressed file types. Supporting VirusScan's vast virus library is Network Associates' unparalleled AVERT (Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team) research team, a division of McAfee Labs, with more than 85 virus researchers in labs across five continents. For more information, Network Associates can be reached at 408-988-3832 or on the Internet at http://www.nai.com/.

About MSN Hotmail

Microsoft Corp.'s award-winning Hotmail is the world's leading free Web-based electronic mail service with over 30 million members and more than 150,000 new accounts established each day. With offices in California's Silicon Valley, the company offers globally accessible, easy-to-use and feature-rich personal e-mail to its members. Hotmail was acquired by Microsoft in December 1997 and is now part of the Microsoft Interactive Media Group. Hotmail is a leader in consumer advocacy and is widely recognized for its strong anti-spam measures. To sign up for Hotmail, go to http://www.hotmail.com/ or http://www.msn.com/.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

NOTE: Microsoft and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. McAfee, VirusScan and Net Tools are registered trademarks of Network Associates and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.