Earlier this week, Kiwi Software (UK) scaled down development and released the source code to their highly acclaimed freeware virus protection product, Slayer. Originally released last year with promises of continued development, other work commitments have meant that Kiwi don't have time to continue the project. Rob Kendrick, representing the group commented: "If a new virus rears its head, I'll add it. If there is a massive bug that makes it crash, I'll fix it. Adding new features? I think that's up to you lot now the source is out there."
Issues regarding the increased vulnerability of the application now that the source code, which makes up the program's executable, is freely available are being played down by Kiwi. "I know I can pick holes in software I haven't the source to" added Rob.
Elsewhere, Paul Vigay's VZap and Killer from Pineapple Software are still being actively developed. The source code and the Slayer application may be downloaded free of charge from http://www.kiwisoft.co.uk/.