Filed under: Security, Windows, Microsoft
Microsoft to launch free anti-virus app soon
by Brad Linder Jun 11th 2009 at 1:00PM
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.
So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul Mensah said 1:33PM on 6-11-2009
I thought they already offered Windows OneCare?
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rcarm said 1:48PM on 6-11-2009
Microsoft scraped OneCare a few months ago.
Neoprimal said 6:44PM on 6-11-2009
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.
LANjackal said 1:48PM on 6-11-2009
@Paul: Morro will replace OneCare
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coolcapnc said 1:52PM on 6-11-2009
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.
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Drew Green said 1:57PM on 6-11-2009
"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.
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alex1jam said 2:08PM on 6-11-2009
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.
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Drew Green said 2:36PM on 6-11-2009
Security by obscurity; always the best practice :P
Phoenix said 4:00PM on 6-11-2009
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.
Kururugi said 2:14PM on 6-11-2009
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?
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Dan said 2:27PM on 6-11-2009
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.
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Brian said 4:22PM on 6-11-2009
@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.
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