Microsoft to Offer Free Virus Protection Software for Windows
Microsoft plans to offer Windows users a new antivirus package designed to protect the OS from viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans. The new software is tentatively code-named Morro, and will be available for free to Windows XP, Vista and 7 users sometime in the second half of 2009.
The new software will reportedly use very minimal resources, which means it should work well with older PCs. If fact, Microsoft says Morro has been specially designed for older PCs and low-spec machines popular in developing nations. In addition to its minimal processor demands, Morro has been developed to use very little bandwidth, making it ideal for those without broadband connections.
Morro will replace Microsoft’s current, paid service, Windows Live OneCare, which has been available on a subscription basis for $50 per year.
While a free, antivirus solution that ships with Windows would be a boon for the average user, it could also mean trouble for third-party software solutions. Given that a bundled solution could raise antitrust concerns — and would no doubt see competitors like McAfee and Grisoft reaching for the lawyers — Microsoft will be offering Morro as a separate download.
Assuming Morro can deliver decent security it should be a welcome free addition to Windows, but we don’t suggest throwing away your third-party software just yet. Antivirus software suites will likely continue to hold an edge over Morro by offering additional handy tools — like password managers, identity theft protection and browser-based phishing protection.
Still, if you’ve been running Windows with no antivirus software at all, Morro will no doubt be better than nothing, and it’s hard to argue with free.
[via Slashdot]
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