New York — Microsoft has announced plans to release a beta version of “Microsoft Security Essentials,” previously branded as “Morro,” the free anti-virus software that will replace Windows Live OneCare, will be released on Tuesday, June 23, at about 9 a.m. Pacific, Microsoft said in a statement.
Microsoft Security Essentials, formerly known as “Morro,” which replaces Windows Live OneCare, and will be available for download from Microsoft.com about 9 a.m., ensuring people on tight budgets would not skimp on protecting their computers from hackers.
Information began pouring in over the past week as Web sites started posting screenshots of Microsoft Security Essentials. The screenshots below, however, are official ones released Thursday by Microsoft.
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A beta version of Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) will be publicly available for download beginning June 23 in following countries — Brazil, Israel and the United States. It is to be rolled out in other countries later in the year.
“Cost and performance barriers prevent many consumers from using up-to-date security software to protect their PCs,” Microsoft said in a statement.
The Windows Live OneCare, which included both security and utility services was priced for $49.95 per year.
Last November, Microsoft announced its plan to phase out Windows Live OneCare by saying that a product more focused on security would serve consumers better. The company will stop selling Windows Live OneCare through retail channels at the end of June.
The US software giant described MSE as “a no-cost anti-malware solution that provides consumers with quality protection from threats including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.”
Here are the main features Microsoft boasts about Microsoft Security Essentials:
- It is free.
- People download it from a trusted source.
- There is no registration, trials or license renewals.
- It stays automatically up-to-date.
- It does its job with the click of just one button.
- And below is an official chart comparing Microsoft Security Essentials to the company’s other products, including the now-discontinued OneCare.
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Microsoft Security Essentials works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and the forthcoming Windows 7 operating system, according to the company. It is designed to devour less space and fewer computing resources in order to be useful on less-powerful PCs and in situations with constrained bandwidth.
Amy Barzdukas, senior director of product management for the Online Services and Windows Division at Microsoft, said in November that customers want “comprehensive, ongoing protection from new and existing threats” and that this new free offering will enable the company to reach more customers, particularly in emerging markets.
Paying to buy and routinely update computer security software “does not meet the needs of many consumers,” including those in emerging markets where money and resources are scarce, according to Microsoft.
The Redmond, Washington-based company said it will automatically update MSE for users.
The Microsoft Security Essentials Web page is not operational at the moment, but it should be by Tuesday.