Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (beta) released
Seven months after releasing the final version of Windows Live OneCare 1.5, Microsoft is today offering a Windows Live OneCare 2.0 beta for public testing. The existing Windows Live OnceCare 1.5 release includes sections for Protection Plus (which handles threats and malware), Performance Plus, and Backup and Restore. The new release adds home networking tools to the mix.
Realizing that most home networks have an average of 2.5 computers, a typical OneCare license allows installation on three separate PCs. OneCare 2.0 adds the ability to monitor the security of two additional PCs from one network hub. In addition, OneCare 2.0 helps set up printer sharing among the connected OneCare protected PCs. Also new is network layer protection in the Windows Firewall, sensing settings appropriate for the home environment and then changing those settings when you take your laptop out to a public network. OneCare 2.0 includes a network wizard to help you set up and maintain security on a wireless home network. If your router is one supported by OneCare, you can enable encryption on any of your connected PCs through OneCare.
Enhancements to PC performance include the ability for OneCare to clear a jammed print job from the print queue, repair a compromised IE host file from outside changes, or enable System Restore if that feature has been disabled. There's also a Start Time Optimizer which looks at applications in your Start folder and determines which applications, based on usage, you can safely remove.
Enhancements to OneCare's backup include centralized backup to one of the networked computers in your home. Microsoft is currently testing online backup via its Live.com service. First up will be the ability to store online digital photos. Unlike Norton 360, Microsoft's service will not be free, and the exact storage volume available has not been set. Other changes in OneCare 2.0 include a monthly report of all OneCare activity and 64-bit compatibility.
Anyone interested in trying the new version of Windows Live OneCare can sign up here.
As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at securitybites.cnet.com or e-mail Robert with your questions and comments.
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They build Windows wrong and then offer to charge you more to
secure it.
Wake up, general public!
Given the near total disinterest of Vista, I would say that the general public is slowly waking up.
So long as MS keeps the hooks required for other developers to make competing products OneCare isn't going to raise any regulatory eyebrows.
Sure, they're trying to be competitive, but they sure do have a long way to go.
As it stands, MS is profiting off its incompetence. You don't see that as wrong?
Okay, I would hate to be the person stuck with 1/2 a computer...
- Live OneCare 2.0 beta
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by garygates
July 11, 2007 3:07 PM PDT
- With Windows Vista now in 64-bit editions I wonder why Microsoft hasn't made Live OneCare with true 64-bit mode... ?
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