Microsoft to Offer Free Antivirus Software
Posted 11/19/08 at 10:04:23 AM | by Paul Lilly
Because hackers target Microsoft's Windows operating systems more than any other OSes, one could argue that it would be be fitting for the software maker to offer its users a free security suite, and that's exactly what Microsoft intends to do. Noting the rapid increase in the prominence of malware, Microsoft says it will discontinue retails sales of it's fee-based Live OneCare subscription service by June 30, 2009 and replace it with a free security suite currently code-named "Morrow."
"Customers around the world have told us that they need comprehensive, ongoing protection from new and existing threats, and we take that concern seriously,” said Amy Barzdukas, senior director of product management for the Online Services and Windows Division at Microsoft. “This new, no-cost offering will give us the ability to protect an even greater number of consumers, especially in markets where the growth of new PC purchases is outpaced only by the growth of malware."
Morrow, which will offer protection against viruses, spyware, rootkis, Trojans, and other malware, will be built to use fewer resources, which Microsoft claims will make it well suited for both low bandwidth situations and low-power PCs. According to Microsoft, Morrow's protection will be on the same level as the company's enterprise solutions.
While that sounds like good news for Windows users, McAfee sees it as an even better opportunity for themselves and doesn't appear worried that it might lose paying customers to Morrow.
"Consumers have voted; OneCare, in its two years on the market, has achieved less than 2 percent market share," he said in an interview. "Microsoft is giving up and has defaulted to a dressed-down freeware model that does not meet consumer security needs. This is good news for McAfee."
Is McAfee underestimating Morrow? Hit the jump and give us your thoughts.
Image Credit: Microsoft
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Microsoft Antivirus used to
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Thu, 2008-11-20 01:46
Microsoft Antivirus used to come built into Windows back in the day. It was MSAV, MSDefrag and MSScandisk were the three main system utilities. I don't think that I every saw a virus get caught with MS AV. That was befor the Internet you know the World Wide Web.
For those who fear of cpu
Submitted by smashingpumpin on Wed, 2008-11-19 22:19
For those who fear of cpu hogging, Im assuming you could disable its autoupdate or terminate the app entirely from running in the background as you would with Microsoft Update. Can't wait to uninstall my AVG for this.
Submitted by Stockislander on Wed, 2008-11-19 20:54
Symantic and McAfee are often the reason I get computers in for repair... they can really hose an install. AVG Free works fine for most people.
Submitted by JTNuck on Wed, 2008-11-19 19:14
I have been useing OneCare for some time now. Actually I was a beta tester when Microsoft introduced the suite. To me it would just make sense to have a security suite run as intergrated as possible and it seems a logical step to use a MS security suite with an MS OS, yes? I agree with one of the prior posts, wouldn't use Mcafee disc ontop of my computer, that's a riot! Mcafee bogs your sytem to almost unusable. I am able to use Mcafee suite for free via Comcast but I still went with OneCare. The other "Big One" Symantec takes any user control away and takes away several key Windows features suck as the beloved System Restore. I also tried CA security suite. That was nice but too may add ons even with a suite, still didn't have it all and much like Symantec it's all or nothing. OneCare offers seamless intergration. It uses virtualy no resources and I can use what I do want and tweak what I do. I also love the home network circle tah I can note my dektop as a hub and be sure my daughters don't turn off there firewalls!!!! And we all know why thety would do that. I am looking forward to it becoming free, as long as they don't change it. I found that most people who don't like MS products are MS bashers to begin with but yet "they're a PC" and continue to be.
Submitted by dc10ten on Wed, 2008-11-19 10:31
Mcafee should definately be worried. Not necessarily about this, but about the fact that their product sucks in general.
Onecare?
Submitted by Wareagle on Wed, 2008-11-19 10:15
If Onecare is an example of what Microsoft intends this product to be, no thanks. It's just like Symantec- it mucks around with delicate system settings, so that if you try to uninstall it, your system can become nearly unusable.
Sure it's free, but I wouldn't want a bucket of crap if it was free. You get what you pay for.
Lots of security suites muck
Submitted by jwalch.hawk on Wed, 2008-11-19 17:13
Lots of security suites muck around with delicate system settings... And it's not like Symantec (ie, Norton) is free anyway. And One Care *isn't* free... So if you're referring to it as crappy in the present tense, and then trying to say you get what you pay for when you're talking two programs that you have to pay to use... What gives? I'm lost.
Normally I would like software that can accomplish multiple related tasks, but when it comes to my PC's personal bubble I'm not so sure. I'm at a bit of a piece-wise approach with separate software for AV, Firewall, sypware/crapware, and a removal tool for those nasty little rootkits that I pray I never have to use. Sure, that's four pieces of software, but they're all good at their individual purposes... And I'd take that over one piece of software that's average at all of the above. The point? Live One Care is an integrated security suite. If it's going to compel me, it's going to have to be better than the majority of software in its respective areas and at least comprable in others (as applicable).
Submitted by Velcrow on Wed, 2008-11-19 11:54
I don't agree that all free products are craptacular. Open Office, AVG, Avast, Thunderbird, Linux distros... And I would like to assume that Microsoft learned some valuable lessons from OneCare.
I don't know what McAfee is
Submitted by Tekzel on Wed, 2008-11-19 10:04
I don't know what McAfee is crowing about, they are absolutely the worst security app you can possibly put on your computer. I wouldn't set a McAffee install disk on TOP of my computer. I am looking forward to Microsofts free product, I might recommend it to casual users like my mom. As for myself, I go by the know what you are doing and don't get malware in the first place rule. I run nothing but a router and never get any infections of any kind. But, I understand the vast majority of regular users can't fly that route.
Submitted by Shalbatana on Wed, 2008-11-19 09:39
Hey did anyone read that other post (yesterday) where I outlined Microsoft's marketing trends? This is just another example. Was I right or was I?!!!!
_______________________________
"There's no time like the future."
This could go either way.
Submitted by Talcum X on Wed, 2008-11-19 09:28
As what makes IE top rung on browsers for the simple point that it came with the OS (many accept it as good enough and/or dont care to find something better), this may slowly gain ground in new systems and some OS upgraders. Serious people, however, will research apps on their own and descide which is best for them.
***********
Every morning is the dawn of a new error.
"In Ireland, there are more drunks per capita than people." - Peter Griffin
ironicly...
Submitted by nekollx on Wed, 2008-11-19 12:10
ironicly according to a recent poll IE is loosing its market share now....
Submitted by Talcum X on Wed, 2008-11-19 13:08
But it was the reason it had such a big share to begin with. It's what Gates and Co. wanted for windows all along. Everything you need in one place. People just didnt know better...till now.
***********
Every morning is the dawn of a new error.
"In Ireland, there are more drunks per capita than people." - Peter Griffin
Submitted by Velcrow on Wed, 2008-11-19 09:27
I suppose it really depends on the market Microsoft is targeting. The average consumer doesn't buy an anti-virus, they get a free one. And the free year subscription that comes with new PC purchases doesn't count. In the 'free' market Microsoft has as much chance as anyone. I'd give 'em a try. If they're shooting for an Enterprise class protection suite, the road will be rougher. Medium and large businesses won't be quick to give up on an AV suite that has proven itself dependable. Even so, rolling out new software company-wide can be a real bitch. But if MS can produce an outstanding product for free, then yes, McAfee may indeed have something to worry about.
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