Microsoft to roll out beta of free antivirus software for PCs soon

Microsoft will be launching the beta version of its free antivirus software for PCs "soon," according to eWeek. Code-named Morro, the application will eventually find its way to Microsoft's Website for download. A replacement for Live OneCare which failed to gain much traction, Morro will, in effect, compete with similar antivirus products from security vendors such as Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro.

Morro will offer protection against malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojans. Just how much of a competitive threat the software poses to security vendors depends on its performance as well as related capabilities such as data backup. Not surprisingly, some analysts see Microsoft's entry into the security software arena as a "long-term competitive threat." Well, may the best product win.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at eWeek

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