Derrick
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Microsoft is set to unveil a beta version of its free Antivirus software programme, codenamed ‘Morro’, to the public in the coming months.
A press release issued by Microsoft in November 2008 revealed that the “streamlined solution will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans. This new solution, to be offered at no charge to consumers, will be architected for a smaller footprint that will use fewer computing resources, making it ideal for low-bandwidth scenarios or less powerful PCs.”
According to Reuters a Microsoft spokesman revealed on Wednesday that it is testing an early version of the product with its employees and would “soon” make a beta version available to the public. He did not however supply a specific date.
This could mark worrying times ahead for the likes of virus protection software developers such as Symantec and McAfee, who charge customers initial fee’s for the use of their full security suites.
A recent Reuters report regarding the release of Morro found Symantec and McAfee officials unfased. “Microsoft’s free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves,” said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. “A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected.”
Microsoft initially launched into computer security in 2006 with Windows LiveOne care which featured an integrated anti-virus program and firewall, back-up and restore capabilities. The company recently announced plans to abandon this initiative along with several other Microsoft programs including Microsoft Money.
Although Microsoft initially revealed that it did not have plans to compete with Symantec or McAfee, a reliable and free antivirus program would undoubtedly steal users away from security software rivals.
A press release issued by Microsoft in November 2008 revealed that the “streamlined solution will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans. This new solution, to be offered at no charge to consumers, will be architected for a smaller footprint that will use fewer computing resources, making it ideal for low-bandwidth scenarios or less powerful PCs.”
According to Reuters a Microsoft spokesman revealed on Wednesday that it is testing an early version of the product with its employees and would “soon” make a beta version available to the public. He did not however supply a specific date.
This could mark worrying times ahead for the likes of virus protection software developers such as Symantec and McAfee, who charge customers initial fee’s for the use of their full security suites.
A recent Reuters report regarding the release of Morro found Symantec and McAfee officials unfased. “Microsoft’s free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves,” said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. “A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected.”
Microsoft initially launched into computer security in 2006 with Windows LiveOne care which featured an integrated anti-virus program and firewall, back-up and restore capabilities. The company recently announced plans to abandon this initiative along with several other Microsoft programs including Microsoft Money.
Although Microsoft initially revealed that it did not have plans to compete with Symantec or McAfee, a reliable and free antivirus program would undoubtedly steal users away from security software rivals.