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Microsoft: Security Suite To Be Free
Samir Makwana, Nov 19, 2008 1342 hrs ISTComprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans
Microsoft has announced that it will offer a consumer security software suite at no cost, focusing on anti-malware protection. Basically, the software giant has decided to dump their subscription-based Windows Live OneCare and will offer a new security suite codenamed 'Morro' for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users.
A recent blogpost on Windows OneCare blog states:
"In order for us to focus on delivering this new security solution to millions of customers around the world, we have decided to phase out Windows Live OneCare and will discontinue retail sales of Windows Live OneCare subscription service beginning June 30, 2009."
Microsoft has promised to offer Morro at no cost in the second half of 2009. Morro will provide comprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans. Therefore, one will not have to install anti-spyware, rootkit removal, or Trojan removal programs in one's system, hopefully. However, Morro will not have the OneCare's printer sharing and automated PC tune up features.
Morro is expected to use less CPU resources as compared to Windows Live OneCare, and thus makes it suitable even for low-bandwidth systems and basic config systems and for emerging markets like India. However, Morro will offer solutions similar to those offered to Microsoft's enterprise consumers.
Other security suite providers like McAfee aren't worried about this development. McAfee spokesman Joris Evers said that this was Microsoft's defeat and was an indication that they had given up, since OneCare hadn't been able to tap the anti-virus software market.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that Microsoft's OneCare shook the consumer anti-virus software market, but failed to perform well in reviews.
Detail FAQs for customers can be found in the blogpost on their Windows Live OneCare Team blog.
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