Tired of paying $50 a year or more for anti-malware software? Then this will likely appeal to you: Microsoft is about to release the beta for its highly-anticipated and free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). Codenamed 'Morro,' the anti-malware product will eclipse its mostly unpopular Live OneCare suite with a new, simplified alternative.

Microsoft Security Essentials beta will be available next Tuesday, and will run on the company's most popular operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, and the upcoming Windows 7. A number of versions will be available for international users, including residents of the U.S., Brazil, and Israel. A public beta for Chinese users will be available sometime later this year. (Source: reuters.com)

The Usual Treatment -- For a Lot Less

The software works like most any other anti-malware program: it constantly monitors the status of a PC and alerts the user if something changes on the computer, including the downloading or modification of files.

Microsoft Security Essentials is programmed to check these changes against malware signatures to verify whether or not the threat is known malware. If that's the case, then the threat is blocked. There are even security measures built in to help identify new malware and update the system to protect against it.

"The hope is that people who install Security Essentials and enable auto updates in their Windows configuration will be protected," said Alan Packer, GM of Microsoft's anti-malware group. (Source: cnet.com)

MS Security Essentials: Versus Competitors

Competitors like Grisoft AVG (freeware antivirus) argue that they have similar software that costs nothing and protects just as much as MSE. However, Microsoft counters that unlike other companies it won't constantly natter users to upgrade -- something which is definitely worth considering.