Microsoft to give away free security software

What have we done to deserve this? Microsoft has announced that it is to give away security protection for your PC or laptop free of charge.
At the same time the company announced it was discontinuing its Windows Live OneCare subscription service. Could this generosity be linked to the fact that the Live OneCare package has not exactly been a huge hit? The new security software, named Morro, is expected to protect your computer from all the basic malware out there. It should be available in the second half of next year. Find the press release here and the Microsoft Q&A here. Microsoft does not have a great reputation in the security field but if this means that more people get basic protection for their computers then I am all in favour. Not so sure that the people at McAfee and Symantec, who make tidy sums providing computer security for consumers, are rejoicing at this news.

Comments

[Alex Kerr]

Ha ha, wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. Expecting Microsoft security software to keep viruses out is like expecting a plastic bag with holes in to hold water - it might claim to, but it ain't gonna happen.

[Duncan]

we all know this is gunna flop, yes microsoft may be be giving software for free, to account for so many of their other security flaws. Just means that your average disgruntled M'soft hater will quickly find the loop holes, and back doors in their software.

[Richard]

Time would be better spent making things more resistant in the first place.

XP has all the features I want - stop the bling and tighten up the insecurities. Linux manages it much better as it was not an afterthought.