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

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?

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.

Edited November 19, 200817 yr by Rice_King

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?