Microsoft Launches Windows OneCare Live Beta

Software giant, Microsoft Corporation has launched beta version of its Windows OneCare Live, a complete protection product for PCs.

Similar to other popular antivirus products, OneCare updates itself automatically to defend against emerging threats. The software currently only supports Windows XP Service Pack 2 and requires users to remove competing titles before installation.

OneCare is the latest component in Microsoft’s new Live-branded line, which also includes search, messaging and mail products, all currently publicized as beta versions.

According to a spokesperson for Microsoft, the new service offering firewall protection, virus scanning, data back-up and recovery, plus personal computer maintenance will eventually be made available for a subscription fee.

Microsoft’s OneCare beta can be downloaded from Microsoft’s Web site, and uses a color-coded system to offer full-time protection against network threats. The OneCare software currently supports Windows XP Service Pack 2, and requires users to remove competing titles before installation.

Samantha McManus, a business strategy manager for Microsoft, predicts the Windows OneCare product will appeal to customers because of its antivirus service and the PC backup and maintenance that it provides.

“Right now, 67 percent of consumers are insufficiently protected from viruses, which means they either have no antivirus, or what they have is out of date,” she said. “What we are trying to do is go after consumers who don’t have sufficient protection. You can look at OneCare as a full service for taking care of everything.”

Windows OneCare is being designed to address core safety concerns such as worms, viruses and spyware, but also to span broader PC health issues: helping protect electronic assets such as digital photos, music, financial data and software; and guarding against performance degradation and system clutter that can result from heavy use.