A Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that the software giant is internally testing its free anti-virus software, codenamed Morro, adding that a beta version would soon be made available via its website.
Morro, believed to be a small, free program that requires little in terms of computer resources, will provide protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.
The release will signal a distinct change in Microsoft's approach to the security market, as the outfit's most-recent security solution - Windows Live OneCare - aimed to do it all as a one-stop security suite. Having failed to attract a major audience, Microsoft announced plans to discontinue OneCare on June 30th 2009 - hinting at a beta launch of Morro in the next few weeks at the latest.
As a basic freeware security solution, Morro will pose a threat to the livelihood of competing solutions such as Symantec's Norton AntiVirus and McAfee's VirusScan Plus, both of which are paid-for solutions.
