New price set by Microsoft for $99 security suite: free

MicrosoftRecently, Microsoft announced that from June 2009, it will stop making its antivirus and security product, OneCare, and instead replace the same with a free download program called "Morro".

The good thing for users is that they will get all the services of Morro, free of cost, while, earlier for OneCare they had to pay $99, plus $US10 a year to subscribe to a virus update service.

"Morro will provide comprehensive protection from malware, including viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojans," said Microsoft in a statement.

Though Morro is being seen as best for small form factor and lower power PCs; the company still stresses, "Morro will take advantage of the same core anti-malware technology that fuels the company's current line of security products."

It would be designed to work with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 PCs. "Morro will provide robust protection for consumers. However, some of OneCare's extra features, such as PC tune-ups and online backup (now offered through the free Windows Live), will not be included," said Microsoft.

Originally, OneCare was launched back in May 2006. The company concluded, "Although OneCare hit a wall of around 5% market share, it did wield a significant influence on the market, forcing rivals Symantec and McAfee to adopt the same policy."

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