[josdegr]

I find this to be of some interest. But I am unsure if I would want to sign up. Would you?

Windows OneCare Live: Coming Soon to Beta

Are you tired of spending time trying to protect and maintain your computer? Are you worried that you're still not doing everything you should to keep it safe and running at optimal performance? If your answer is "Yes," then Windows OneCare? is for you. Windows OneCare is built specifically for people who don't have the time or technical expertise necessary to secure and manage a computer on a daily basis. It is a comprehensive PC health service that goes beyond security to take an integrated approach to help protect and care for your computer.



Benefits
Provides a comprehensive PC health service
Windows OneCare helps protect and maintain your computer with an integrated service that includes antivirus, firewall, PC maintenance, and data backup and restore functionality.

Works automatically to help provide hassle-free protection and maintenance
Windows OneCare automatically takes care of key tasks such as running antivirus scans, updating the antivirus engine and virus definitions, updating the firewall, and running a monthly PC tune-up to improve and maintain your computer's performance.

Continuously evolves to help protect you from the latest threats
Because Windows OneCare is a service, you will not need to wait for a new version in order to help protect your system from new threats or to take advantage of new features. Windows OneCare updates itself automatically over the Internet so you always have the latest technology.

Windows OneCare Live: Coming Soon to Beta

[marcus77]

I'd trust them enough to be a beta tester, but not on my main PC. I don't usually put any beta software on my main PC.

OneCare looks like a good idea for people whom are not that computer savvy. Microsoft has been heading into this direction slowly with it's release of Automatic Updates and Security Center for XP. Let's face it, given that there are a lot of people out there that forget to update thier software or virus definitions, have no spyware blockers, and never back up thier data. It's like having a virtual IT department.

[brushmaster1]

Aren't all Windows users beta testers?

[traveller57]

hi i saw this on the bbc news site but it says its on a yearly subscription .http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4544547.stm dave

[Fidelista]

Yes, I would not be too worried with the Beta tag.
M$ has simply purchased proven programs and with some modification , will bundle them.
An example is their anti-spyware program. Purchased from Giant, a proven program.
The term "beta" or "test version" does not really reflect the fact that for the most part, these programs have already been successful and in use.
In fact, I would highly recommend their anti-spyware program to be used ---along with the old standbys---AdAware --Spybot ect.
Actually has some nice tools.
Point is, the beta desciption is somewhat misleading.
If M$ can somehow induce the general user to use security tools which are used already by experieced users---more power to them---we all benefit. >f

[Big-K]

^They also did it with lots of other things, like MS-DOS. I really don't see the need for this thing, all this should be non-existant. They should have protected themselves in the first place. I'm so glad I don't use windows anymore.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by Big-K

^They also did it with lots of other things, like MS-DOS. I really don't see the need for this thing, all this should be non-existant. They should have protected themselves in the first place. I'm so glad I don't use windows anymore.

No need for you Big-K, but then you are not the average user , or have average preferences.
Lets not kick M$ for an attempt to make PC's more secure.
I may not use the the bundled software {probably won't} but I am not ready to say it won't benefit others. I have used their Anti-spyware from the first day and will continue ---as long as its freeware.
As far as windows use---or browsers, what can I say?. Numbers speak, and the reality is unavoidable. People use Windows.
I am happy to see M$ provide some security that is simple and trusted enough for the new user to load.
I know many folks that have no idea of what malware is---assume that the AV installed by manufacturer will protect.
I see a need for this, and hope it helps--regardless of the origins of the programs.
My post was to make it known, that maybe there will be a glitch or two, but nothing to fear. I am willing to bet it will safer to use these "beta" programs than to load SP-2.>f

[traveller57]

i use anti-spyware program,zone alarm firewall AVG,spybot and Ad-Aware se .were having a discussion on another forum about one care, i posted your link to it.i think microsoft and some isps realise theyve got to protect people not 'in the know' and it can only be a good thing.pc manufacturers cant keep selling pcs to 'newbies' with no inbuilt protection either.how long does it take a new pc with no protection to be made useless by infection.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by traveller57

i use anti-spyware program,zone alarm firewall AVG,spybot and Ad-Aware se .were having a discussion on another forum about one care, i posted your link to it.i think microsoft and some isps realise theyve got to protect people not 'in the know' and it can only be a good thing.pc manufacturers cant keep selling pcs to 'newbies' with no inbuilt protection either.how long does it take a new pc with no protection to be made useless by infection.

Agreed. Most users do not want to learn about security, programs and such.
They want to use e-mail --banking ---news---porn---music---shareware ect, with no interest in how interactive media works. This is the problem to be addressed and has to be.
Another solution would be to hunt down creators of program like CWS ---and shoot them like dogs-- I would volunteer for that! >f

[traveller57]

i agree exept this bit>Agreed. Most users do not want to learn about security, programs and such.
theres a lot of older people getting into computing now to keep in touch with kids whove emigrated etc.they dont even know about security.thats one reason i think manufacturers,isps,etc have got to help.to a newbie, even using a pc is a daunting task, let alone be expected to know about security. my dad, 71 is thinking of getting a pc.ive told him to go to his local library, learn how to use one first.you can go on a free course here,hope they teach security too.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by traveller57

i agree exept this bit>Agreed. Most users do not want to learn about security, programs and such.
theres a lot of older people getting into computing now to keep in touch with kids whove emigrated etc.they dont even know about security.thats one reason i think manufacturers,isps,etc have got to help.to a newbie, even using a pc is a daunting task, let alone be expected to know about security. my dad, 71 is thinking of getting a pc.ive told him to go to his local library, learn how to use one first.you can go on a free course here,hope they teach security too.

Travellar57, I work with about 20 users at work place, and my elderly Aunts, who have decided to criuse the web --- I know exactly of what you speak.
Much of what you hear is directed towards intermediate or advanced users.
Many times people who post in forum assume that there are no "newbies" ---assume that security knowledge is universial, known by all. This is not, and will never be the case. This is why I support any effort to make security easy---available-- and useable. M$'s effort sounds good, esp the simplicty part. A user should not have to be a enthusist. >f

[bassetman]

I used too, not any more!

[vanillag1rl]

I think we all are by using IE.

I am thinking of coverting to Linux whos with me!?

M$ STRIKE!

[traveller57]

i thought linux was a brand of paint with a big cutey dog as its mascot.

fidelesta,well said






i

[bassetman]

Originally Posted by vanillag1rl

I think we all are by using IE.

I am thinking of coverting to Linux whos with me!?

M$ STRIKE!

I am not using the latest version of M$IE on this machine, and am running Linux on another box!