A Review of Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare
A few weeks ago, I wrote a critical blog about Windows Live One Care, an all-in-one service that includes anti-virus,
antispyware, firewall, performance tune-ups, and database backup and
restore. You can run it online or download a trial version, after which time there is an annual fee. I was irked because Microsoft is charging to protect our computers from problems they caused with buggy and unsafe code.
After ranting, I admitted that despite all that I would likely try it. Well, I did and here's what I found:
But after that, I will go all out with Windows Live One Care, happy for a better solution, while still complaining that they are charging me for something that should be included as part of their operating system in the first place!
After ranting, I admitted that despite all that I would likely try it. Well, I did and here's what I found:
- When you run the program online, a scan takes a couple of hours to complete.
- If you want continuous protection, you need to download the trial version.
- After the 90-day trial, a subscription is $49 a year — but is good for up to three computers (too bad I have four!)
- The install program completely removed my existing anti-virus software and antispyware. It was polite and asked first, but to complete the install, my only option was to grant permission. In any event, I won't have an easy path if I want to go back.
- It also disabled Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.
- It wasn't hard to configure and there is a schedule to perform scans and updates on a regular basis, along with scan disk and defrag.
- The only thing I haven't yet used is the backup option. (I think they want money first). Since I have another backup program already paid for and running, I'm in no hurry to try out Microsoft's version, but I will.
- So, one program has indeed replaced six others, making the job of keeping my computers in good running condition oh so much easier. Plus, I'll save money, too, by paying only one fee and covering three units.
But after that, I will go all out with Windows Live One Care, happy for a better solution, while still complaining that they are charging me for something that should be included as part of their operating system in the first place!
Posted by Peter DeHaan at 9/9/2008 8:25 PM 
Categories: Technology, Computers, Internet
Tags: Microsoft Windows Live One Care Peter DeHaan blog author Peter DeHaan Peter DeHaan Musings Musings of Peter DeHaan
Categories: Technology, Computers, Internet
Tags: Microsoft Windows Live One Care Peter DeHaan blog author Peter DeHaan Peter DeHaan Musings Musings of Peter DeHaan
I have yet to try it, but it's nice to see another perspective on it. It is amusing, however, that they have "replaced 6 programs with 1" but that seems that it would be easier to hack, and, since it is the only thing standing between you and danger, one thing to hack, albeit something (I assume) that is difficult to hack, doesn't fill me with confidence, especially if it is all controlled by one entity that not only doesn't allow (by uninstalling) other alternative products, but also turns some of it's own features off (the firewall, etc). If I was going to hack something, I'd hack the Microsoft all-in-one security. It may be hard, but once you make it, you have everything.
I also agree that it is ridiculous that one has to pay for a program that is made by the people who failed to protect you in the first place. If it's so good, why isn't it a service pack? The answer is obvious, but that doesn't make me feel better.
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