For the past year, Microsoft has bought up a number of small security companies, including the antivirus technology and intellectual property (IP) of GeCAD Software in June, 2003; Giant AntiSpyware in December, 2004; Sybari Software in February, 2005; and FrontBridge Technologies in July 2005 among others.

Current security software makers, including Symantec, have complained bitterly about Microsoft's upcoming entry into the security software market, although they have said that they will not pursue antitrust litigation against the software maker.

To respond to the somewhat alarmingly real threat of spyware, malware, and to a lesser extent viruses on the Windows platform, Microsoft used its recently-acquired security technology combined with its own in-house work to build Windows OneCare Live (codenamed "A1").

Windows Live OneCare helps protect your computer, and its automated optimization features keep your PC running at its speediest. OneCare even regularly backs up your important files. You get all this in one convenient package:

* Protection Plus, with its antivirus and antispyware scanners and managed, two-way firewall, helps protect your computer from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, hackers, and other threats. It runs continuously in the background, but you can scan individual files and folders for viruses on demand simply by right-clicking them.
You can even scan attachments you receive via Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger.

* Performance Plus regularly defragments your hard disk, removes any unnecessary files that can clog your PC, and helps make sure important security updates from Microsoft are installed efficiently and on time.
* Backup and Restore regularly copies your important files and settings to CD, DVD, or external hard disk.
* Instant Support provides online help anytime you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pros: Easy to use, fairly good firewall and antivirus modules, automatic Tune Up that takes care of everything in one easy step.
Cons: No antispyware module, little shy on the backup features, some firewall holes.

You can download a free 90 days trial from here.

written by Florin C.