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Microsoft to launch free anti-virus app soon
Microsoft has reportedly been testing the product internally, and expects it to compete with similar utilities from Symantec, McAfee, AVG, Avast, and other security companies. The Microsoft anti-virus app is code-named Morro (after a beach in Brazil), but it will probably have a different name by the time it's released.
The program isn't expected to be competitive with high priced security software, but it should offer the basic anti-virus functionality you would expect from the entry level anti-virus apps from companies that typically charge an annual subscription fee for updates.
You could make the case that Microsoft is aiming to take business away from those companies. But you could also make the case that Microsoft should have been offering better virus scanning and removal tools all along in order to provide better security for Windows.
Comments
12
Subscribe to commentsPaul MensahJun 11th 2009 1:33PM
I thought they already offered Windows OneCare?
rcarmJun 11th 2009 1:48PM
Microsoft scraped OneCare a few months ago.
NeoprimalJun 11th 2009 6:44PM
I'm pretty sure Onecare is still out there. It's not as horrible as it was in it's 1.x state but also isn't as potent as software running for maybe $10 or $20, like Eset and Kaspersky which are to date the best tested solutions in both independent testing and VB100 for on-demand as well as retro and pro-active detection rates.
Onecare 2.5 actually rates up there with the likes of Eset and Kaspersky as of May 09' for retro and proactive detection. As of February 09' it rates alongside programs like AVG for On-Demand scanning.
I believe that Morro will be a 'watered' down version of One Care, ie: AV only vs. firewall + backup. I don't think it's a "different" product - but I could be wrong. I'm looking forward to it though. If it IS indeed the repackaged OneCare AV, I'd much rather have it running on my other computers than AVG or Avira, which are the programs I currently use. I will stick on Eset for my main PC and laptop.
LANjackalJun 11th 2009 1:48PM
@Paul: Morro will replace OneCare
coolcapncJun 11th 2009 1:52PM
They would have just been sued again if they had included antivirus stuff. I believe about a third of the viruses are made by the companies to keep selling their software.
Drew GreenJun 11th 2009 1:57PM
"The program isn't expected to be competitive with high priced security software"
First, what is considered "high priced security software"? I use Norton Internet Security, is this a possible replacement for Norton (Antivirus)?
Second, is there any word on the availability for server systems? I'd love to throw this on my 2008 box.
alex1jamJun 11th 2009 2:08PM
Good thing i dont have to care about this im a Linux Ubuntu since Nov. 2008 coming from a Mac that i also did not care for virus because i cant get infected. To be more realistic i will die from a G1 phone thrown at my head before i get a virus.
Drew GreenJun 11th 2009 2:36PM
Security by obscurity; always the best practice :P
PhoenixJun 11th 2009 4:00PM
What the hell does this comment have to do with anything? There is absolutely no point to it. Obviously, by stating you don't care in an article that otherwise has absolutely nothing to do with you and your demographic, you are actually stating the opposite.
KururugiJun 11th 2009 2:14PM
I hate the fact that if Microsoft included this with their OS they would get sued to oblivion. Don't anti-monopoly laws exist because they are trying to help people? So why even if the monopoly does something "good" it is deemed wrong?
DanJun 11th 2009 2:27PM
Microsoft... Free... Anti-malware protection...
Does it work as fantastic as Windows Defender? ::extreme sarcasm::
If it was cloud-based protection, I MIGHT perk up but I have a feeling it'll be a waste and easily targeted by hackers.
BrianJun 11th 2009 4:22PM
@Kururugi
Anti-monopoly laws don't exist to help "the people," anymore.
There is no reason Microsoft shouldn't be allowed to include whatever software it wants. However, the courts around the world are using MS as a cash cow for including a web browser. As if Microsoft were stopping users from installing whatever browser they want...
Competition is good, but the EU is taking it to extremes. Microsoft shouldn't have to fight with an arm tied behind their back.
Now, I doubt any courts will object to MS including software that will clearly help many, many people. But I'm sure Symantec and friends are going to drop a lot of money on lobbyists to make the process painful.