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Microsoft's PC Satisfaction software trial is getting a positive reception from partners tired of putting out Windows XP security fires as of late.

But many question how this will play out in the Windows XP code, and what it means for ISV partners like Symantec and Network Associates' McAfee.

Some partners that have the PC Satisfaction trial software in-house said it provides a good level of default antivirus, firewall and backup features for Windows XP--with minimal user intervention.

"You run it and it gives you a client, which has a Red Cross symbol and safety meter saying if your protection is weak, fair or good, and realtime virus scanning," said one solution provider who has seen and worked with the trial software but asked not to be named. "It is a threat to McAfee."

One solution provider now testing the software said the Windows user interface automatically offers prescribed "Actions" for users to take, as well as backup, antivirus scanning and firewall options that are easy-to-use and access.

According to documents provided to CRN, and screen shots of the user interface, the PC Satisfaction software's PC Safety Meter Score automatically changes the color of a user's screen to red or green, for example, to indicate the overall health of the computer. It also automatically runs virus scan after the software is installed and according to scheduled intervals following the initial scan.

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