I am trying trial versions of various anti-virus/security software and my first one was Windows Live OneCare 1.5. I think that it is a very good piece of software that should be included with Windows (for 90 days?) It works much better than the Windows Firewall and also has other functions in addition to the regular Anti-virus, Firewall and Spyware scanners.

In my opinions, Windows Live OneCare is an excellent program for beginner computer users with the easy-to-use interface as well as visually attractive appearance. It also blocks un-verified (Microsoft's verification list) programs automatically and lets you choose if you allow it or not.

The program includes a backup utility and tune-up, much like the Windows Live Safety Scanner. It also enables phishing protection in Internet Explorer 7 and checks for updates to Windows as well as other Microsoft programs frequently. Tune-up can indicate whether your computer is at risk (red), fair (yellow) or good (green).

From personal experience, the tune-up feature works excellent and unobtrusively. What's annoying is that you may have to restart your computer otherwise it will turn red and say At Risk because updates could not be downloaded or checked. Also, ports are able to be blocked by the firewall, but blocking IP addresses (individual or range) cannot be done in this version. It may be included in the next version (2.0). :|

On Wikipedia, it says that this firewall does not adhere to industrial firewall standards. I have no clue what that means but it seems to be working fine for me. Also, a Windows Live ID is required for this software to work. I think that shouldn't be a problem with I think that everyone has Windows Live Mail and would benefit with a Windows Live ID anyways.

With other security software companies, as well as test results, Windows Live OneCare has been placed (near) last in the tests. It failed to detect 100% of viruses, and came in overall security with a disappointing 87%. Microsoft Security Team has stated that other security software companies will soon need to "catch up to them". We'll see about that with the updates and future releases coming out.

This is the first software that I tested. I don't know if I'll buy it or not after 90 days. I am planning to test more software after the trial period. Tell me what you think about Windows Live OneCare!

I'm not even going to try it, it's probably as annoying as the Safety Center (that's why I disabled it and I disable windows from checking signatures).

I suppose you're using it on XP, because Vista has a back-up utility included and phising protection is included in IE7 too.

I do have a question about the firewall. Does it also ask when 'unknown' program want to go out or not ?
About the IP blocking, the windows firewall allows you to specificaly block IP adresses.

So, no LOC for me

I really think that the the firewall of windows sucks..it does not give you any freedom on how to really configure the firewall
all you do is to allow this and deny this and that but nothing more. also their anti spyware software that they bought from GIANT goes to waste they should have leave it to GIANT to develop that good software

This is the classic microsoft problem...they write a buggy, vulnerable operating system, and now they want to SELL you software to keep the system stable? Talk about a scam...that's like buying a car, then being charged extra for the *required* seat belts. Why can't they just fix the damn operating system to make it harder for spyware and viruses to propagate and infect?

I haven't tried Microsoft Windows Live OneCare yet, but I have read about it in PC User Australia (May 2007 edition).

Oh boy, this will take long to type . . . (All credits to PC User Australia.)



Despite with what I said before, I trust that the magazine was right to say the above.

I have to say that it is quite cheap compared to the leading security thingomobobbies.

onecare is expensive and is crap just use aol is avs link
picture from my webtop


This post has been edited by cinemove: Apr 20 2007, 06:29 PM

join it it came 1 in free virus spyware and more removel and came 4th in best

anyone tested it

The firewall is good, it asks you if you want to Allow, Block or Allow this time if the program connecting is updated or unknown.
An annoying thing of Windows Live OneCare is that you have to restart your computer approximately every day. If you don't, the status will be Red and it comes up that:

Windows Live OneCare could not download required updates for your computer. Please restart your computer. If the problem persists, contact Windows Live OneCare help.

After a reboot, it will be fine though. My trial period is past the halfway mark, I'll be trying a new security suite in The Quest for Internet Security.

i have used this and am using it currently on full version i have to say it is one of the best ones windows ever created so i would recommend it