Many Microsoft newsgroups have confirmed that a beta version of Microsoft Security Essentials, codenamed Morro, will be made available to the public on Tuesday June 23rd. The free package will run under Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 and is reportedly light on resources so that it can be used on less-powerful machines.

The newsgroups state that industry analysts contend that Microsoft Security Essentials will be on par with basic consumer antivirus and antimalware products from security industry competitors Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro, which cost about $40 retail.

When it encounters something suspicious, it checks with a Microsoft server for updated intelligence before allowing the program to run, a process that is being stated on newsgroups as “almost instantaneous”. Microsoft also maintains a database of trusted software sources, so the tool won’t accidentally block items like USENET newsreaders, rather, compliment them.

However, Microsoft maintained that the free service would not compete with security vendors but was instead intended for audiences that might not otherwise afford or have access to security software. In particular, Microsoft has stated that their service would target developing markets such as Brazil and China, which requires increased IT security infrastructure but whose residents often lack financial resources to buy and install security software.

The service will protect users’ PCs on XP and Vista and will give an added boost to the impending release of Windows 7, which will be available in October. The new service will replace the subscription Windows Live OneCare, which the company plans to discontinue on June 30th.