Microsoft To Make Consumer Security Suite Free

[george]

Microsoft To Make Consumer Security Suite Free

Microsoft on Tuesday said it is changing its strategy for offering PC antivirus software, with plans to discontinue its subscription-based consumer security suite and instead offer individuals free software to protect their PCs.

Code-named Morro, the new offering will be available in the second half of 2009 and will protect against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans, the company said in a statement.

With the arrival of Morro, Microsoft plans to stop selling the Windows Live OneCare service, although the two services are not identical. Morro lacks OneCare's non-security features, such as printer sharing and automated PC tuneup. Morro will, however, use fewer resources than the subscription-based offering, making it better suited to low-bandwith systems and less powerful PCs.

Microsoft decided to switch to a free product because there are still so many PCs out there that lack any antivirus software.

-- Cnet.com 2008-11-19

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10101582-83.html

[george]

I can't wait for the jokes.

Dude: Hey Sue, it looks like your anti-virus software isn't running?

Sue: You mean it's off?

Dude: Yes, your Morro is off.

Sue: I'll turn Morro on

Dude: I know you are, but what am I?

[Rice_King]

With the arrival of Morro, Microsoft plans to stop selling the Windows Live OneCare service, although the two services are not identical. Morro lacks OneCare's non-security features, such as printer sharing and automated PC tuneup.

-- Cnet.com 2008-11-19

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10101582-83.html

I never subscribed to OneCare on the principle that if MS had the ability of making their OS more secure with an after-market product like OneCare, then they should deliver it pre-installed with their OS – or at minimum, offer it as a free add-on. An analogy would be a car maker selling a new car with thin, bald tires mounted on it and then charging the consumer extra for good (safer) tires with tread on them.

[Digitalbanana]

Completely agree, MS is becoming a worrying company... seems like catch up with everything they do these days...

BTW, I don't get George's joke! Can someone explain?