Microsoft opens up OneCare Live beta

Microsoft, the company known for their all-in-one Windows operating system and Office suite, has opened up the beta testing for their OneCare Live program. The online application will protect users from attacks with an integrated firewall and anti-virus scanner. Computer tune-up and maintenance is also provided with a hard-drive defragmenter and backup program.

OneCare Live combines an anti-virus scanner and two-way firewall to protect computer users. A simple red, yellow, green health indicator residing in the taskbar, warns users if their computers are at risk. Updates can be automatically downloaded, but users can manually select the updates if they wish.

Several maintenance utilities are also integrated into OneCare Live. These utilities are actually the same as the ones already included with the Windows OS, but are presented in a more user-friendly format. Hard-drives can be defragmented and backed up to CDs, DVDs or external hard-drives. In addition, the program can free up space by deleting unnecessary files.

OneCare Live had previously been in closed beta, but now anyone can join at no cost. The service, which will eventually cost money, is aimed at consumers who may not already have an anti-virus program installed. Testers must have Windows XP with Service Pack installed. They must also uninstall their current anti-virus and firewall programs.

The OneCare program continues Microsoft’s push to provide applications as a online service. Earlier this month, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced that the company will pursue "Live" versions of its operating system and popular applications. These programs are run primarily through the web and hook into your computer via custom APIs. With a fast Internet connection, customers can presumably use their favorite applications just as if it were installed locally on their machine. Microsoft Office, the company’s cash cow, is already available as a "Live" version.

While professional computer users may scoff at an online application, regular users may be more receptive. There is no installation CD to deal with and updates are presumably easier and automatic. Of course, a fast Internet is required, leaving modem users out of the loop.

Microsoft officials have publicly stated that OneCare is not designed to directly compete with anti-virus products from established vendors like Symantec or McAfee, but it’s easy to see how OneCare looks like Symantec’s SystemWorks - Just replace Symantec’s signature yellow color with Microsoft blue.