Windows One Care Live (All-In-One Security...Not Quite)

Well you knew that Microsoft would eventually do it. They came out with an all-in-one security package called Windows One Care Live to combat all the problems in the world of Windows. They are hoping to gain market share away from Symantec and McAfee who have dominated the Anti-Virus market for the longest time.




This slick new program (for use only with Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and 256MB RAM) takes the existing Windows Firewall, Windows Backup, Defrag, Windows Update programs and bundles it all together in one neat automated package. All except for an AntiSpyware program. Unfortunately Microsoft AntiSpyware was not included for some strange reason. It can be downloaded separately here.


Reading the news that Windows One Care Live Beta was just released yesterday, I was eager to give it a try. The install went smoothly, until I rebooted the computer and noticed that the Windows One Care Live Firewall was blocking all my Windows Firewall exceptions; even though they were still checked. I had to go through the Windows One Care Live's Firewall settings to permit these exceptions again (nothing was automatically imported from Window Firewall).


The anti-virus program seemed to be fair, it scanned the computer quickly and claimed to have real-time protection against opening infected files received via email and MSN Messenger. But until it is a proven product, it will be difficult for me to stop using AVG FREE which has been one of the best Anti-Virus programs I have ever used.


The Backup Program did a good job identifying my important files to backup, but did not include an online backup option. I will continue using my online backup solution until Microsoft can offer a better solution.


Overall this program is great for the person who wants an easy to use security suite and does not want to configure any advance security settings. They will find it extremely easy to install and run Windows One Care Live Beta.. Don’t forget to install Microsoft AntiSpyware as well.