IT Contractors to receive free anti-virus

Microsoft is poised to start giving away security software. The company is reportedly trialling free anti-virus software internally and said the beta version would be released soon.

‘Morro’, the software, will tackle viruses but lack the broader range of utilities, such as parental locks, found in paid-for security suites.

Morro will be Microsoft's second venture in the highly competitive security market. Microsoft's first attempt revolved around the Windows Live OneCare service that did not succeed in turning many customers away from rivals such as Symantec and McAfee.

The introduction of Morro will see the discontinuation of Live OneCare. Microsoft said Morro would tackle viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.

Security software for home PCs typically cost around £30-40 and often allow users to install protections on more than one computer. Companies, such as AVG and Alwil already produce and distribute free anti-virus products.

In its latest update, Microsoft added code that detects and deletes the widespread Internet Antivirus Pro family of fake security software programs.