Microsoft used to offer a Anti-Virus suite called OneCare that got discontinued due to lack of interest, and then Microsoft announced that it will offer a free solution code named “Morro” for security in November 2008. Looks like finally Morro has come to life. Neowin.net obtained screenshots of the program code named “Morro”, which will eventually be released as Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft employees are reportedly testing the program and it may be released in September 2009 or the end of this year. Morro may not be a full blown security suite like Symantec and McAfee offerings but a basic security software. From the screenshots it is clear that it offers real time protection, for most users it is enough to get protected. Also Morro is offered as a free product, if you don’t want to pony up for a security product this can be useful. There are other free programs like AVG and Avast if you are looking for a free antivirus software.
Microsoft Security Essentials: Free anti-virus software from Microsoft, code named Morro. Image Credit: Neowin
There is already a torrent named Morro in Isohunt, but it may not be the latest build. If you are going to test it, tell us how it goes.
I think Microsoft is throwing its weapons with fight against Open source 😀
It is nice way to promote the software for free.
I think this might be another business strategy from Microsoft to get more customers .
Microsoft is not secure from open source still it is providing security software for free 😀
I think they made a good decision here going free with their service. In my opinion they would have been faced with a pretty severe backlash if they had actually gone to market with a product like this, because people feel that the protection from MS should come from within the OS, not from a separate product.