The free software, code-named 'Morro', will be available for XP SP3, Vista and Windows 7
The freebie anti-virus product code-named “Morro” made a bit of fanfare in November when it was announced and then … nothing much. But it seems as if Microsoft is getting ready to launch it “soon” if news reports, stemming from a story by Reuters, are to be believed.
There are already several free anti-virus programs available for home users from enterprise security firms like AVG and Panda Security. It is not likely that enterprises will abandon their enterprise antivirus software for “Morro,” despite its lovely price. Morro will replace Microsoft’s software-as-a-service Windows Live Onecare and will be available for Windows 7, Vista, and XP Service Pack 3 customers.
The biggest upshot of Morro is that consumers will be better protected. Unprotected consumer boxes are prime hunting ground for bothearders, and as such PCs get filed with keyloggers, bots and other malware, their performance suffers and Windows gets the blame. If Microsoft is going to be blamed, it is wise — and perhaps only fair – that it offers free anti-virus protection.
Read more: Microsoft’s Free Antivirus: Is This An Apology?
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