Microsoft’s antivirus software, Morro, leaks early
Morro, Microsoft’s new free antivirus software is on its way sometime in the second half of 2009, but some screen shots of it in action have already leaked. They may not exactly be awe-inspiring but they do at least prove the existence of Microsoft Morro.
Microsoft announced in November of last year that it would be phasing out Windows Live OneCare and replacing it with a free alternative codenamed Morro. This new offering will not be as powerful or feature-packed as OneCare but will take on the role of protecting against “malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.”
Last week saw reports that an early version of the antivirus software was being tested by Microsoft employees, with a trial version launching soon. But before that comes, a set of three screen shots anonymously leaked to Neowin. The screen shots, one of which is shown below, show Morro at the three stages of updating.
This build of the software, which is thought to be only for internal testing use, looks very similar to Windows Defender, but the User Interface (UI) will likely change somewhat before release. While Morro is likely to be released around the same time as Windows 7, it will be available as a separate download rather than being bundled with the new OS.
ZDNet is speculating that Morro will be almost entirely cloud-based, with incoming files and data being scanned for malware before ever reaching your computer. If true, this would be a Godsend because it would likely be quicker than letting your PC do the job and would put less strain on your system as well. Which would surely be a first for Microsoft, easing up processing power rather than adding to it.
As good as Morro may end up being, it’s only being talked about as an alternative to other free alternatives out there rather than full-blown security suites. But the mere fact Microsoft is finally releasing free antivirus software after all these years should be welcomed.
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June 17th, 2009
To be fair, its Microsoft’s own fault that their system has viruses to a certain extent because they design it. Theoretically at least, they should know where most of the potential backdoors lie. For my money, it is their responsibility to protect their own systems properly – its like if you buy a computer and the hard disk fails, you expect the manufacturers to repair it on the warranty, or at least expect a new one with the cost being passed to the manufacturer.
If you get a virus, surely its Microsoft’s problem because its their operating system? I know a lot of people will disagree with this statement, and it is unrealistic to expect them to be able to make a virus proof system. However, the least they can do is make available some free software to help curb the problem, and thankfully they have done this.
I do part time computer repairs in my spare time, and while those of us who are tech savvy know and trust AVG, most people are dubious because it doesn’t bear a known brand name. I think more of the n00bs will trust ‘Morro’ because it is Microsoft, and maybe even download it of their own accord. Here’s hoping it actually works well – though if it is cloud based, it isn’t a new concept. There’s Panda anti-virus already out there on a cloud computing basis.
June 17th, 2009
The EU will want to fine them if they include it with 7.