Microsoft is testing free anti-virus software, but no date
has been announced for a public release.
Microsoft says the number of consumers that are signing up to
the subscriptions for paid anti-virus has been flat and roughly
half have no up-to-date security software.
Dubbed
"Morro", the software will tackle viruses, spyware, rootkits
and Trojans, but will lack utilities such as parental locks found
in commercial security products, according to the
BBC.
Security software producers have said they do not see Morro as a
threat, but
some reports say investors are concerned that Morro will hurt
sales of commercial products.
The Morro trials come three years after Microsoft entered the
security software market with Live OneCare, which was not a
commercial success.
Microsoft has said it will discontinue the Live OneCare service
when Morro is released, which is expected to be before the end of
the year.