Microsoft To Launch Free Morro Antivirus Application Soon

Microsoft will be replacing its now defunct Live Onecare security package by a free application called Morro which is set to debut fairly soon and which aims to protect Windows users from spyware, viruses (or in geek speak, virii), malware and phishing attempts.

Morro, which is named after Morro de Sao Paolo beach in Brazil, first came to light in November 2008 and is supposed to come in three different versions. Microsoft has been quite shy about details pertaining to this antivirus application and it is unknown as to why it is even bothering releasing Morro. Based on information gathered, we know that Microsoft could trim down the security software so that it works adequately on netbooks.

One can expect shares price of security companies ranging from McAfee to Computer Associates to slip significantly as the world's biggest software company tries to make a place for itself in the already crowded security market.

Microsoft is likely to mimic AVG's strategy and offer a basic version of Morro and offer a beefier version for a fee. Live OneCare which Microsoft released three years ago but proved to be a commercial failure due to a number of reasons. It ended up costing a mere £25 for 3 computer licenses but failed to compete with the likes of Antivir or AVG which provided free security applications.

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