Microsoft on Wednesday released for download the beta version of its Windows Live OneCare 2.0 – the software maker’s all-in-one toolset for PC security and maintenance.
The OneCare upgrade offers several new options, such as multi-PC and home network management and printer-sharing support for local networks.
As part of the software’s “tune-up process,” the OneCare beta looks at the configuration of a user’s system and either makes fixes on its own or makes recommendations.
The upgrade also speeds up PC boot time by removing rarely used applications from the start-up menu and provides monthly summaries of key activities and recommended actions for PCs on a local network.
Other new features include the ability to centrally configure and monitor backups for PCs covered under the same OneCare subscription, with the data from all the machines going to one location.
The software also can be configured to back up photos and other important data online through Windows Live Folders, which is available at an additional cost.
Finally, the upgrade offers Wi-Fi connection security to protect wireless data transfers.
While Microsoft is making a big push into PC security with OneCare, the first version didn’t stack up to rivals in antivirus protection, according to at least one independent study:
- Download AV Comparatives OneCare Report (634.22 KB PDF)
Andreas Clementi, who runs Innsbruck, Austria-based AV Comparatives, placed OneCare dead last when it came to tackling massive numbers of Trojans, viruses and worms.
Microsoft’s software was beat by 16 other vendors, with Germany’s G Data Security Software coming out on top.
“Virus Bulletin,” a U.K.-based publication whose VB100 tests are considered one of the benchmarks of the anti-virus industry, also flunked Live OneCare in its tests.
To beta-test OneCare 2.0 won’t cost you a dime, but the full-service version will.
Currently, Microsoft charges an annual fee of $49.95 to install Windows Live OneCare on up to three computers. Prices for version 2.0 have not been released.
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