Microsoft to Offer Free Virus Protection Software for
Windows
By ScottGilbertsonNovember 19, 2008

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 withWindows 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 likeMcAfee and Grisoft reaching for the lawyers-
Microsoftwill be offeringMorro 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 passwordmanagers,
identity theft protection and browser-based phishing
protection.
Still, if you've been runningWindowswith no antivirus software
at all,Morrowill no doubt be better than nothing, and it's hard to
arguewith free.