Microsoft Offers Free Security Software

The new, free consumer security software is focused on core anti-malware protection.

Author:: Joseph Woelfel
Publish date:: Nov 19, 2008 2:10 AM EST

Microsoft

plans to offer a new, free consumer security software product focused on core anti-malware protection.

Code-named "Morro," the security offering will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans, Microsoft said in a statement Tuesday. The offering is targeted to less powerful PCs.

The company said it plans to discontinue retail sales of its Windows Live OneCare subscription service effective June 30, 2009. The service being discontinued costs $49.95 a year and covers up to three PCs, according to

Reuters

With the move, the software giant appears to be taking aim at

McAfee

(MFE)

and

Symantec

(SYMC) - Get Report

, its chief rivals in the PC security market, according to

Reuters

McAfee said the move is a sign of capitulation on the part of Microsoft. McAfee said OneCare managed to capture less than 2% of the market in the two years it has been out,

Reuters

reports.