A Neowin reader has sent in screenshots of the recently released to beta testers,
Windows Onecare.
Onecare is billed by Microsoft as being '
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.' The software integrates a firewall, anti-virus, backup features and system tune-up into one package.
Microsoft have not announced a released date as yet for the product, and it is unclear whether the company plans to charge for the software (note - setup screenshot two might suggest a subscription model is in the works). When Onecare was announced in May, Microsoft received criticism for offering anti-virus software that protected users from failings in the Windows OS. With Longhorn only just entering beta phases, one might draw the conclusion that Microsoft took the decision to offer a product like this to protect users against serious Windows flaws that require serious Windows updates. This aside, the Antivirus business is a lucrative one; with a 'unique' insight into the way its software works, Microsoft could add another integrated product to a already crowded market.
So far, reports from Beta 1 appear positive. The program, we are told, is 'surprisingly good'. Included in the package are two CD-Rs to help users test the backup function provided. Readers in the US interested in testing the product can do so by entering the Beta ID 'OneCare' on Betaplace.
View: Onecare home
Screenshot: Antivirus features | 2 | 3
Screenshot: Setup | 2 | 3
Screenshot: Main pane | Oncecare box | Splash
News source:
Neowin
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