Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2009/06/19/microsoft_security_launch/

MS names ship date for free security suite

Free as in lunch

By John Oates

Posted in Security, 19th June 2009 11:22 GMT

Microsoft is launching its free security suite next week - the 23rd of June to be precise.

It was going by the funky codename Morro, but is launching under the duller name of Microsoft Security Essentials. It replaces Windows OneCare - and yes we do know what that sounds like.

Microsoft Security Essentials will be available for users in Brazil, Israel and the US initially and for PCs using Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

China will get onboard later this summer.

The service aims to protect machines against viruses and other malware. The free download takes only 140MB, but you will have to sign up to the hated Windows Genuine Advantage.

It will check for updates every day. Microsoft said it will also maintain a list of trusted software providers to prevent accidental blocking of honest firms' products. More from AP here.

The company said it wanted to improve security overall, not just steal customers from the likes of McAfee and Symantec. Microsoft said its primary target would be the millions of people using computers with no protection at all. ®