Windows Live OneCare Ending, Morro No-Cost Replacement

Microsoft announced today that the company is discontinuing Windows Live OneCare (WLOC), although support will continue for current WLOC subscribers until the subscriptions expire. WLOC is an all-in-one suite that includes a number of non-security features that most subscribers ignored (i.e., printer sharing and automated PC tune-up).

I am wondering if the indication in the PressPass announcement that "Morro" will be a stand-alone download providing malware protection for the Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems implies that Morro will supplement or replace Windows Defender. Since Morro won't be available until the second half of 2009 (perhaps introduced with Windows 7?)


PressPass Announcement:

Code-named “Morro,” this streamlined solution will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans. This new solution, to be offered at no charge to consumers, will be architected for a smaller footprint that will use fewer computing resources, making it ideal for low-bandwidth scenarios or less powerful PCs.. . .

“Because uptake of standard anti-malware is low around the world, particularly in developing nations, the availability of basic protection for anyone who wants it is all the more important,” said Roger Kay, founder and president of Endpoint Technologies Associates. “By offering such basic protection at no charge to the consumer, Microsoft is promoting a safer environment for PCs, service providers and e-commerce itself, since it is through unprotected PCs that the worst threats are introduced to the system as a whole.”

“Morro” will be available as a stand-alone download and offer malware protection for the Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. When used in conjunction with the ongoing security and privacy enhancements of Windows and Internet Explorer, this new solution will offer consumers a robust, no-cost security solution to help protect against the majority of online threats.