Microsoft Security Essentials

Morro is a code-name for an upcoming free Antivirus software, created by Microsoft. It is expected to be released in the second half of 2009, and will provide protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, and trojans.

Its announcement, made on Tuesday November 18th, marked a change in PC security strategy from Microsoft. OneCare, the all-in-one service that microsoft launched in May 2006 only managed to take 2% of the already clustered PC security market and failed multiple virus tests . OneCare will be discontinued in June 2009. Morro will be a free, no-fills program suited for smaller and less powerful computers, perhaps aimed at the emerging "netbook" market.

Amy Barzdukas, senior director of product management in the online services division at Microsoft, said: "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." .