bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Full Product)

• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
• Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Rating: 2

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: All in one feature compatible in Windows Environment

Weaknesses: Crappy software.

Summary: I have used this software for the last 6 months and it has been working great until I hit upon a trojan. This software gets hung on it. I downloaded other softwares and they are not compatible with Live One. Finally I removed Live One and installed a common virus software and scanned with trojan remover and my pc is up and running. I almost thought my OS was gone and needed a reinstall. My suggestion do not use this software as it does not do anything for you when you really need it.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Windows integration. Interface.

Weaknesses: Jack of all trades, master of none.

Summary: When microsoft decides to take on the competition, they usually take time in catching up. Take Zune vs iPod for example. With OneCare, they are trying to hard to please the novice user and not concentrate on making a good strong product. If you're a light web user (dial up), this may be for you, but if you have a always on cable connection, you are gonna want something more powerful- I personally use Kaspersky. I don't doubt that in the future OneCare will be a reliable alternative to Symantec, McAfee, etc, but until then I would not recommend this.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1

Strengths: All-in-one solution to protect your computer

Weaknesses: Does not give enough control of options, not effective

Summary: While providing a nice all-in-one solution to protect your computer, Windows Live One Care does not do a particularly good job of picking up viruses, trojans, etc. It also does not let you turn off certain protections that are not necessary for everyone.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: Easy to set up and useVery intuitive Works very well with VistaSo far no software problems on 2 pcs in 11 monthsFound it much faster than Norton (although that was a year ago!)

Weaknesses: Had harmless "trojan" on my XP that could not get rid of - This was when using XPReal shame that auto upgrade cost was $50 vs $23 I paid via Pricegrabbers (probably even cheaper if I went shopping)

Summary: Clearly this product works very well with Vista and indeed seems to work better with vista than XP I had to call OneCare help on one occasion and actually got a helpful real human to help to track down a Trojan. So there is more human support than there is with other MS products

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Streamlined interface, automatic security updates for OneCare and other Microsoft applications, handles basic maintenance, inexpensive

Weaknesses: Not the best anti-virus engine or firewall out there (in terms of security)

Summary: I took part in the beta program a year or so ago and found the idea of an all-in-one package rather attractive. When it was time to purchase security software for a few new machines in the household, I opted to give the final version of OneCare a shot. On a good day, you'll be able to pick this up for free after rebate or $10 out the door. This will buy you a one year subscription for three computers, which isn't a bad deal at all. It's very simple to set up -- you're up and running in five minutes. System tune-up (which includes automated disk defragmentation) is a nice touch. The only complaint I would have is the quality of the security. It does an acceptable job and would probably be fine for most home users. For those that need something more intensive, look into acquiring NOD32, BitDefender, or Kaspersky.