Microsoft Corp. said it will offer free software to protect PCs from viruses, in a move that could pose new challenges for independent makers of security software. The Redmond, Wash., company said it plans to introduce its security software, code-named Morro, during the second half of next year in an effort to persuade more users to secure their PCs against spyware, viruses and other forms of “malware.” Use of antimalware software is far from universal, especially in emerging markets.

There are two primary reasons consumers supply for not protecting their PCs, including a concern that the anti-malware software will bog down their PCs, said Amy Barzdukas, senior director of product management for the online services and Windows division at Microsoft. The other reason is the cost of security software, which can run $75 for the programs plus two years of updates. Morro will replace another security software program Windows Live OneCare, a broader suite of software and services. Microsoft will discontinue retail sales of that software, which costs consumers $49.95 a year, on June 30 of next year. The shift to a free security offering from Microsoft could be a problem for Symantec Corp., McAfee Inc. and other independent security companies that charge consumers for their products.

I suspect this one will take another half a GB to run.

google AVG

All I can say to this is that it's about damn time. That said, I tend to use trend micro products and I doubt that will change. I use what works.

I think that it is about time that they are offering something free because they are already earning a lot and people needs something that it is free since the economy is in recession. Maybe they are doing this help the people, then again they are Microsoft and I’m sure that they are planning for a greater scheme.

Yeah, Microsoft doesn't seem to do things for the greater good, so it seems like maybe they're intentionally trying to knock other companies out of business, for whatever reason.

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who is thinking that way. A company always aims to make more money even while doing charity. They are doing that so that they would get the attention of more people.

they definitely should include a free antivirus in their os.

As nice as a free antivirus might be, I'll stick with outside companies. I prefer the big hitters like Microsoft not get a monopoly on EVERY industry they've got their hands in. What's free now might cost money in the future with no competitors to battle it out against.

If they will include the free antivirus to their OS the user will no longer have hard time finding good antivirus.