Microsoft Security Essentials goes live

Microsoft has announced the launch of Microsoft Security Essentials, initially known by its codename Morro, a free security package for PCs.

The package is designed to run on even low-specification PCs, with a 500MHz processor, 256MB of RAM and 140MB of spare hard disk space being the minimum requirement.

This is partly due to Microsoft's desire for Security Essentials to be available in poorer parts of the world where technology is often several years out of date.

Microsoft is also targeting the developing world where many PCs become infected because they either have no protection from malware or because subscriptions have lapsed, often because users don't have credit cards to purchase upgrades.

However, Microsoft Security Essentials will initially only be available in 19 countries and doesn't support legacy operating systems such as Windows 2000 and Windows 98.

"Consumers have told us that they want the protection of real-time security software, but that they are confused by trials and renewals and concerned about performance and as a result, too many are unprotected," said Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft.

Microsoft's entry into the security market is likely to cause a stir among the traditional security providers, especially as the product is free, though Symantec was quick to play it down.

Con Mallon of Symantec told Web User in a live chat earlier this month: "The MS offering is basic at best. We offer a lot more security functionality and utility and I believe that the majority people will see that to be the case."

The announcement wasn't due to be made until 1700BST on Tuesday but was brought forward when details were leaked on a website in New Zealand.

You can download Microsoft Security Essentials from the Microsoft website from 1700BST on Tuesday.