Microsoft To Offer Free Anti-Virus Software
Microsoft Corp will soon unveil a free anti-virus service for personal computers, reports Reuters. This sounds like bad news for Symantec and McAfee, but very good news for consumers. Operating systems should offer basic built-in protection from malicious software.
According to Microsoft, thier new ‘Morro’ anti-virus program will be available by the end of the year, and will protect computers from a variety of malicious software — including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.
Microsoft’s premium Windows Live OneCare service already offers virus protection, but costs $49.95 per year. The same Reuters article reports that Microsoft will be closing down OneCare in the very near future to make way for Morro (current subscribers will continue to receive full benefit of the service until the end of their subscription period).
There are already a number of free anti-virus programs available. I’m currently using Avira AntiVir and AVG Free on various home PCs, and I’ve used Avast Home Free in the past. All are good, effective choices, but it will be nice to have yet another option.
