Microsoft is planning on ramping up the battle against malware authors and distributors by releasing a free antivirus product. Currently, code-named “Morro”, it will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans ... but will not include many of the additional non-security features found in many consumer security suites. [1]

Microsoft states:

To address the growing need for a PC security solution tailored to the demands of emerging markets, smaller PC form factors and rapid increases in the incidence of malware, Microsoft Corp. plans to offer a new consumer security offering focused on core anti-malware protection. [1]

Microsoft plan to make “Morro” available as a stand-alone download for the Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. While still offering Windows Live OneCare, a comprehensive security suite, up until June 30, 2009 and gradually phase out direct sales. It's not all bad news for OneCare subscribers, they will be able to opt-in to the new and free antivirus "feature" or choose an alternative. Additionally, they will maintain access to their online backups. See the OneCare blog for more details here.

There currently are a number of free antivirus products such as, AntiVir, Avast!, AVG just to mention a few. Additionally in Windows Vista, Windows Defender is built-in to combat the "potentially unwanted software" such as spyware, adware. Defender requires to be downloaded for XP. This move by Microsoft will be good for the millions (a number estimated by me) that don't bother with ANY form of protection even though there are existing free solutions. A personal view of mine from experience with the trial software you get with package computers is that consumers are often mislead into believing they are protected long after the trial expires. (Note: This may have changed in recent times)

Even so, this could cause a massive backlash from the Antivirus vendor industry. In the 1990's the Department of Justice "argued that Microsoft, through its ubiquitous Windows software, has a monopoly on the desktop computer operating systems and that it engaged in anticompetitive activities to protect its dominant position." [2] If you've got time, you could look at the entire case file here: http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f3800/msjudgex.htm

Only time will tell if this happens again. But my personal point of view is that this is a great move. I don't think they are trying to be anticompetitive; they are just fed up, as am I, with the continual amount of malicious software spreading because people don't have any protection.

Cheers
Zane