Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Up to 3 Users) Reviews

• Exceeded My Expectations, and Those Were High

  
  By A969VLBBX8LQ7 on 2008-02-22
  I have been using Microsoft's Live OneCare System for about a year-and-a-half, and I went to the 2.0 version about three months ago. I've got to tell you though, I wasn't too happy about using it at first because of two factors: 1) Microsoft seemed to be linking a lot of things to this "Live" concept, and 2) The program seemed like it was making a lot of promises it couldn't keep. On the first matter, I still have some concerns; on the second matter, it has lived-up to its promises.
  
  After almost a year, Microsoft upgraded my product to 2.0, and then when I added another computer to my LAN, I used one of the three licenses that came with the new version of OneCare to extend my HUB's subscription. And it did so without a problem. You will notice on the picture I uploaded from my individual computer (see customer images), that my subscription will renew in three days.
  
  I don't know about you, but at work I've seen what not keeping-up with your virus protection and firewall protection can do to someone's computer. Mine hasn't been hit, but other's have and we use Norton's and McAfee at work with each computer set for automatic updates. At home, since I have a LAN, too, I wanted to make sure I didn't have similar problems, so for the past three years I tested several products, namely Norton's System Works, Norton's 360, e-Trust (Computer Associates), and OneCare.
  
  Having used Norton's for over 12 years, I have been disappointed that they are doing less with their products, and I really became disenchanted when they didn't offer their firewall protection with System Works. Then, it seemed I couldn't find System Works, and I had to use 360, which was a mere shadow of System Works. It grated me that I had to buy one product, then buy their Internet Security, too. I, also, didn't think they were on top of the virus situation as much as they used to be. Then, there was an issue about renewals that did not go into effect when they should, and hour long waits for tech support to help correct the problem.
  
  So, I tried e-Trust, and I didn't have any qualms about it, at first. At first it sent out e-mails, often times several times a day to update the software virus protection. Then, it went to an automatic check whenever you booted-up. Then, came the renewal. I had it on two machines and was successful only on one when it came to renewing my subscription. Now, batting 500 is great in the major leagues, but not when it comes to protecting my computer.
  
  OneCare, though, has lived-up to their promises. At first I had it on one computer, and it performed a massive back-up that took all night (200 GB's... this was with version 1.0). Subsequent back-ups went quicker for only the new, or changed, files were updated. Adding 2.0 to other computers produced a back-up on individual computers much faster, 1 to 2 hours, depending on the computer, with amounts in the 100 GB range. With 2.0, I've been able to have one centralized back-up on an exterior HP Drive. I, also, have back-ups performed on each computer with various other drives: Seagate's FreeAgent, and Simple-Tech.
  
  In total, I have four computers set-up on OneCare. Two are on the hard-wire, and two are on a WiFi connected to the hard-wire, with my laptop's back-up on another computers external drive (I added the laptop the day after writing this review, which gives me the 4th computer on the network.) One benefit I've seen of using OneCare is that the new computer's version usually recognizes the printers on the network, and it asks me if I want this computer to have access to it. If it doesn't, and I am not a networking whiz, I have just loaded the drivers for a printer that is on the network, and it then easily finds that printer and finishes out connecting the printer with that computer.
  
  Once I set my schedule of the tasks for OneCare, I've let it do it's job, and I've had only one issue, and that's not a OneCare problem... On the iMac, I have both Mac OS X and XP Pro running. With XP Pro, I have OneCare installed. When XP Pro updates itself, it cannot download and install all updates, so OneCare gives me a "yellow," or caution warning. After manually having XP Pro on the iMac finish its download, everything goes "green," which to me is a great place to stop this review.
  
  OneCare has greatly simplified my life. Version 2.0 is better than 1.0., and you can have from one to three computers covered with one subscription. Also, when I extended my subscription, it added the year onto my current subscription several months in advance without my having to call tech support to straighten out a problem. Regarding subscriptions, you have to have a "live.com" ID activating your initial, up to, 3 subscriptions (for me this was a "hotmail.com" address). If you have more computers to cover than 3, you will need a second "live.com" ID. Renewals are around $49.00 for one year's protection for up to three computers. Unlike some virus programs, like Norton's, you cannot uninstall OneCare and then install a newly-purchased, unused copy of OneCare, unless you install it under a different "live.com" ID. (BTW, I learned this the hard way, yet the Microsoft folks were quick at straightening it out (866-ONECARE).)
  
  As the say on TV sometimes, I"m a happy camper, and I'd recommend this product to anyone wanting to protect one computer or several on a LAN. Be sure to check-out the pictures I uploaded to give you a better idea of what type of information you will receive from OneCare because that generally will tell you more than what I did about its capabilities.
  
  

• The good and the bad

  
  By A39T0L7SX0BQ8R on 2007-12-26
  Pros:
  Easy to install- Very good about prompting users to scan and update- In the year of free beta and the year of a paid subscription, my PC has stayed Virus free. Seems to be integrated nicely with windows and less annoying than Norton. All in all, this has been a great experience.
  
  Cons:
  Canceling your subscription cannot be done online. You must call 866-663-2273 during normal business hours and cancel by phone.
  This program is not compatible with an 64 bit Windows operating systems. Networking is an exercise in patience.
  Nothing is straight forward when it comes to advanced problem solving and the program will nag the heck out of you if you work offline for days at a time.
  Your subscription is tied to a passport ID. This became annoying a year after I made it trying to remember it.
  Lastly...$50 is a lot of money per year. They really need to cut that price in half.
  
  

• MS HomeCare for the Non-technical

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2008-03-19
  If you're reading this I'm guessing that you're not a techie. As far as I have been able to determine, no self-respecting techie will touch this programme with a ten foot pole, but it does have its uses as a self-updating cure-all for small home systems.
  
  The thing is, Microsoft has enemies, and due to the dedication of this group, the company has developed its own security system to protect customers against viruses, Trojans, spyware, phishing and all the other bad stuff coming at you through the internet.
  
  Live Onecare is actually a combination of lots of stuff that's already on your computer, plus a spyware detector and a firewall, all nicely set up in an idiot-proof interface. Basically, it's a simple way of protecting your computer and keeping junk off your hard drive, now in a self-cleaning and self-updating model.
  
  Pros:
  1. If you're not familiar with your computer's system tools, this programme makes things like Disk Defrag, Disk Clean-up and Backup easier to find.
  2. Automatically updates once you're connected to the internet
  3. Can be installed on three computers with one Windows Live ID
  4. Works as your own personal IT Department, fixing some problems before you know that they're there.
  
  Cons:
  1. Seeing that this is a Microsoft programme that repackages and organizes existing Microsoft software to help Microsoft customers with Microsoft problems, it should be available as a free download for those who need it. The annual charge is nothing short of super-highway robbery.
  2. Existing anti-virus and firewall programmes have to be removed before installation.
  3. It doesn't pick up new viruses as fast as other programmes like McAfee and Symantec
  4. It doesn't protect network servers, if you happen to have one at home, that is.
  5. No anti-spam protection
  6. The plastic packaging is like a firewall, resisting entry by intruders like yourself.
  
  Conclusion:
  1. If you're a techie you don't need this
  
  2. If you're not a techie:
  a. Ask someone to show you the Accessories - System tools menu
  b. Keep your existing anti-virus software up to date
  c. Don't download files attached to e-mails from untrustworthy sources (strangers aren't sending you greeting cards, and Jessica Biel probably isn't really nekkid either)
  d. Stop frequenting those adult sites
  e. Do all of the above and you don't need this.
  
  3. If you're really not into computers and you just use yours for e-mail, writing letters, and shopping at Amazon, you might find this programme useful as a one-stop hassle-free service center.
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, March 19, 2008
  
  
  

• Backups - Does not support any eSATA drives

  
  By AG1OL1K3SFURN on 2007-12-30
  I've been using OneCare for a few months now. Overall, not a bad solution for the price (but overy "controlling" as some reviewers have mentioned, like rebooting with no notice.) But I just recently ran into an issue with backups that is a deal killer for me. I have about 700GB of files on my PC that need backing up, and USB 2.0 was just taking WAY too long, so I purchased a new Seagate FreeAgent 750GB external hard drive with eSATA connection. (For those of you unfamiliar with eSATA, it has become the new standard for high speed PC backups to external drives ... most benchmarks show 3-5x faster than USB on actual transfer speeds.) Anyhow, Microsoft is VERY misleading when they say OneCare will backup to any "external drive", because it will NOT back up to an eSATA drive. This is because eSATA connects directly to the SATA ports on the computer motherboard, which means OneCare can't tell the difference between your normal internal drive and the eSATA drive. So, it ignores them all!
  
  

• Too much & too little

  
  By A2N0QMNESF5QRS on 2008-01-12
  Windows Live OneCare appears to look good on the surface, and may be OK for home users, but if you need to network with a small (4 to 14) group of computers, it can kill any worth the program offers. As stated in another review, it will update itself and windows without your choice, and block access to your computer, and vice versa if you are on a network. The Anti-Virus program slows communication with the internet; and so does the Firewall. The new version also likes to ask you constantly about what to do, what to block or not block, and it even doesn't recognize some programs (to block or not block) even if you set it up properly in the "blocked" program list. Overall, it was adequate up until this new version, now it is inhibitive. I really don't recommend it. An alternate, and superior product in every way is the Antivirus/Firewall system sold by Eset : called NOD32, which you can try & buy via the internet. It won't back up or 'tune up' your computer, but OneCare does a poor job in both these areas anyway. Deleted this program from every computer I use, even with months and months left in my 'subscription' (what a joke!). DON'T BUY !!!!!
  
  
• Microsoft doesn't play nice!
  By ADLJYBOCPJAFE on 2007-12-06
  Once Live OneCare updated itself with the usual mandatory self-rebooting, (without asking), it announce a major error needed correcting. The problem? Symantec Live Update existed and simply had to go! This product exists because I have Norton Save & Restore 2.0 installed on the system to be able to do REAL backups (the kind that can recreate a system after a full disk crash, unlike the one built into Live One Care). Microsoft doesn't tolerate it, so this time Microsoft will get the boot! Use real care if you use or intend to use ANY Symantec product - they all use the same Live Update program
  
  
• Great product
  By A3NI3UKARVWK7E on 2007-11-30
  I tried the free trial version on Microsoft website and I loved it. Recommend you purchase it. If microsoft has any updates this program will automatically let you know and you can even program it to do updates for you daily. This is a great product Microsoft has done it again. All the security features you need rolled into one. You don't have to buy alot of different programs anymore.
  
  
• Intuitive, seamless, and accessible protection.
  By A1VKAY0XWLA2CY on 2008-03-12
  The Microsoft branding certainly seems to be a polarizing influence when it comes to a product like this. I saw one review slam it for the annual fee that the product (and all of those in the same quality and functional range) charges. Another because it slowed her system to a crawl (you likely have bigger hardware problems than this can address). Derek had a hysterical review touching on not just where this product falls short, but also on a theory of evil itself. I'm not discrediting or discounting these perspectives at all -- I think the different experiences of a wide range of people is what makes consumer reviews worthwhile, but I do wonder if the vitriol would have been the same had this been someone else's product. In the end, I don't suppose it matters.
  
  OneCare 2.0's best point, in my estimation, is that it is seamlessly integrated into either Windows Vista, or Windows XP (I use it on both). I had been a McAfee and then a Norton user for well over a decade, and it always felt like a bit of a systemic power struggle between them and Windows. I don't fault either product for that reality, but the bottom line is that I wanted something that would work well, but do so without me having to spend much time thinking about it. I wanted something that would be more or less transparent. OneCare can be certainly that.
  
  I used the original OneCare on a couple of my systems back when it was in beta, and 2.0 is clearly a product that has evolved and been polished over time. A single registration allows coverage of three machines (three installs) at a time, and you can set one as a hub and monitor the status of the other two through that. As I sit here typing, I can see that this laptop is in the green, the desktop needs to install a Windows update, and the other laptop needs to be configured for data backups. That's convenient. Doesn't do much for people with only one system, but it's wonderful for those with more.
  
  I was disappointed to see that OneCare 2.0 identifies AdAware 2007 as a conflicting resource. After a bit of reading, I've come to realize that AdAware currently runs a constant service on the machine upon which it's been installed, and it's this service that causes the monitoring conflict. I did uninstall AdAware, but I'm hopeful that Lavasoft and/or Microsoft will come up with a solution that will allow me to put it back on. I'm a fan of using that product (along with Spybot S&D, and a few others) in conjunction with OneCare (different programs are good at different things).
  
  OneCare is largely a set-it-and-forget-it type of program. It will update itself if you allow that. Once configured, it will regularly back up your data to the resource of your choosing. It makes logical decisions about what programs to allow through, and when it's not sure, it asks you what to do. When it comes time to make a more complicated change, such as allowing an XBox 360 to access your media files through the firewall, the controls are intuitive and well documented so that even those intimidated by such tasks (like my wife, for example) are able to figure them out without the extra time and frustration that came with and from other products.
  
  Like anything else, OneCare probably isn't for everyone. This is probably why they give you 90 days to try it out for free. Install it, enjoy full functionality for three months, and if you decide it's not for you, install it. Contrary to some claims herein, removing this software is quick, easy, and complete. I did it myself just for the sake of this review -- and then installed it again right afterwards. For me, OneCare 2.0 is a definite keeper. I've taken one star from the grade because I'd like to see them improve upon the already good mal/ad/spy-ware scanning, and because of the conflict with AdAware (for which I fault neither company). Absolutely worth giving this one a try to see if it's right for you as well.
  
  
• Security Suite with Pricey Subscription
  By A2A1HDK1NXG1S2 on 2008-02-27
  This product was a big disappointment.
  
  It is a suite of security applications for up to three windows PCs.
  
  My biggest issue - and most importantly, is it requires a subscription of 50 dollars a year from Microsoft.
  
  The only reason I'm giving this any stars is because: 1) you can't give it zero stars, and 2) it does gather multiple applications in a one-place control panel.
  
  With the exception of above, the only "plus" for OneCare is that it does support multiple PCs for the same 50 dollars a year. Still, though, 50 bucks is 50 bucks, and who knows what the price will be like in the future.
  
  Folks, please be aware - all these applications are available elsewhere, in one form or another, most for free. See MajorGeeks and GriSoft for instance.
  
  I cannot recommend this product. At all.
  
  Also, it is packaged in what has to be the most frustrating box to open ever encountered.
  
  
• Computer security and backups are now background tasks.
  By AEJAGHLC675A7 on 2008-11-23
  First encountered Microsoft's Windows OneCare in 2005 as a Beta project that I participated in. Wouldn't have gotten involved except that I had found Symantec's Norton AntiVirus to have become a real resource hog, and the products from McAfee weren't any better, despite their claims. I had been a loyal user of Norton AntiVirus since those days that Peter Norton was still running his innovative company, one that pioneered anti-virus applications as we know them... but that was then, and this was now.
  
  I dropped the Norton products after a series of problems that were well-documented in the 'computer geek' community, and began to install Grisoft's AVG Free anti-virus on some of my systems. About a year later Microsoft released it's Beta test of Windows OneCare, and that seemed to be a product with few bugs and a lot of promise. When the Beta test was over, however, I standardized my computers with AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, and that continued until late last spring when I saw an associate's installation of Windows Live OneCare 2.0 and listened to his reasons as to why why he had switched from Symantec's products.
  
  Initially I downloaded the trial version from Microsoft to test it out, but within two weeks had become convinced that this was not only a competitively priced product (other products have only recently caught up), but it's resource footprint was small. It didn't seem to interfere with normal operations or offer obnoxious reminders of how my computer was being protected.
  
  Windows Live OneCare runs quietly in the background, doing its job well and quite unobtrusively. It's licensed to be used with up to three users, and right now is protecting my aging HP Pavilion a210n Desktop PC, my son's laptop computer and my notebook. It does a good job of protecting our PCs from outside security hazard while keeping things on the inside running smoothly, performing disk cleaning and file defragmentation in the background. Our files are backed up to a connected Seagate FreeAgent Desktop 250 GB External Hard Drive, and once set up properly has required no intervention whatsoever. All of its updates run quietly via Microsoft Update, and this has kept my systems up-to-date with the important security updates.
  
  Pros:
  
  * Very reasonable cost for what it does.
  * Runs quietly and effectively in the background.
  * Excellent monthly reports on activity.
  * Has an excellent two-way firewall.
  * Automated backups to external hard drive or USB storage devices
  
  Cons:
  
  * OneCare interface is different, may seem somewhat awkward.
  * Other anti-virus and firewall programs need to be removed.
  
  
  This product isn't perfect; no security application that I've encountered to date is. The occasional reboots for updates are irritating, but all applications of this type have them to work properly. The Windows Live OneCare interface is different, and may seem somewhat awkward until you get used to it, but it does function properly. Had laughed last spring when I read that OneCare had mistaken Skype (the Internet telephone application) for a piece of malware, but have see similar false reading from almost all of the anti-virus and security applications on the market over time.
  
  The above remarks may sound picky, but they're really not; they're just a personal reflection of what I've found while I've used this product. But all things considered, and especially since it's so well-behaved as it runs quietly in the background, doing its job quite unobtrusively, Windows Live OneCare is a real 5-star application from my perspective.
  
  Please note: I'll be posting helpful info about this product and possible updates in the Comment section below this review, so be sure to check there as well.
  
  
• Much Better Than Version 1
  By A380VY6JH0W3IA on 2008-01-16
  Unfortunately for Microsoft, their name brings a lot of fear and loathing (sometimes rightly so, many times not). OneCare 2.0 provides some much-needed effectiveness to Microsoft's security suite. While the previous versions were outright terrible against malware, 2.0 is starting to achieve respectable scores with independent tests such as AV-Comparatives. Also, they are often one of the first vendors to have updated signatures in the event of an outbreak - Also very important.
  
  Performance of this suite is the best I've seen, and I've used products like Kaspersky and NOD32.
  
  The ability to manage multiple PCs is a nice and simple capability, that I appreciate MS putting in.
  
  The major downside I see right now is in its backup function, which is far too simplistic (and leaves out major components of 3rd party software - such as your Mozilla settings if you use Firefox and/or Thunderbird). This keeps me from giving it 5 stars.
  
  This is the suite I'm presently using on my Vista 64-bit machines, and I see no reasons to look elsewhere at this point.
  
  
  
• Very Buggy and Only Good When it Works
  By A38W6SIMYZBP54 on 2008-01-16
  When I first purchased OneCare it worked just fine. I actually bought a three pack for two laptops for my kids and my home computer. After using it for a few weeks I started having trouble with the firewall turning itself off and then putting up a warning. I would go in and turn it back on and after a reboot it would be off again. At first this happened occasionally and after trying a bunch of fix ideas from online support it got better, but it still happens. Right now I cannot even get it to turn back on for my home computer. Who ever heard of security software with bugs like this? I am going back to good old Norton!
  
  
• OneCare -- great for family tech support
  By AS4EYBDGMDNAX on 2007-12-18
  OneCare has been a great answer to provide basic PC protection and maintenance for children at college and other family members. If you have a multi-computer household the basic(3)PC license package is a very inexpensive way to provide protection and see that regular updates and maintenance are done.
  
  I was an early beta tester, and continue to be pleased with how the product has progressed. I regularly recommend to friends and the feedack has all been positive.
  
  
• Good product, could be a little better
  By A1QOK9LU90ACF7 on 2008-02-08
  I've used Norton Internet Security for years (I *hate* it though, see my review of Norton Internet Security 2008). This year, I've experimented with virtual PCs using Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and VMWare. I tried using NIS 2008, but it wouldn't install on my virtual PCs (stupid product) so I looked for a cheap alternative, and found OneCare. It installed wonderfully on my virtual PCs, and it does a fine job of protecting them. The 2.0 version adds a few new tricks which are nice. I wish that OneCare would add a feature to filter websites, and I can't easily add IP addresses to a list of permissible websites like I can with NIS, but those aren't major shortcomings. For good, cheap protection, OneCare does a fine job. I look forward to future releases of this product.
  
  
• An incredible disappointment!
  By A2I3XS9TO93Q0F on 2008-03-14
  I can't imagine a greater level of disappointment than this product has given me.
  
  The basic framework is there: virus protection, routine maintenance, automated backup, updates and security. But I suspect that it will perform as needed only for those people that install it when the stars correctly align. For woe unto you who have a problem. Support may be there, but you'll work yourself into a frazzle just trying to find the support or get an answer.
  
  I'd like to think that I'm somewhere between the average computer user and the uber-geek that writes his/her own source code. That said, I'm giving up on this product. Let me tell you why.
  
  First, OneCare offers to set up your wireless security for you. In my case, it made my wireless access so secure that I couldn't use it. The double whammy behind that is the fact that the bulk of OneCare's support is ONLINE! It's tough to get a question about online access answered, when you have to go online to get it and can't. I searched high and low in the program for something that even remotely resembled a technical support number, no... something that even remotely resembled a telephone number! But success was not to be had. Finally, I pushed the reset button on my wireless router, turned off the wireless security firewall in OneCare and was able to go online again. Help was via a discussion board, and the tech that answered my initial question was out sick when I asked for some clarification. That delayed response by 4 days! By the way, Microsoft claims that my particular router is fully compatible with OneCare.
  
  Okay, so the wireless security is no good, at least in my case. But setting up an automated backup is a great idea right! Sure, if... if... if you can find a storage device that OneCare is disposed to work with. My thought (radical free thinker that I am) was that I would perform the initial backup by saving everything to a DVD, then using a lower storage USB stick for the incrementals. OneCare saw the DVD drive but apparently didn't like it. The USB stick didn't have enough space, so... can't use that.
  
  But all is not bad. OneCare did perform a tune-up for me that basically removed files that I removed manually from time to time. And it's interface to control those programs that automatically load to memory on startup was nice.
  
  But the bottom line is this. It's a finicky product with no support for the panicky. If you want to gamble on getting it right, go ahead. If you prefer a little handholding, stay away.
  
  
  
• Does Anthing You Want It to Do
  By A2K4HN6EECBNR3 on 2008-03-16
  Windows Live OneCare
  
  Installation:
  
  Pros:
  Easy installation (Insert CD and Run, does not require the manual directions).
  Can be left on in background while installing (does not interrupt activities or require closing other programs).
  Fast installation (Normal internet connections only need 5 minutes).
  
  Cons:
  Requires restart after program is done installing.
  
  
  
  Program - Virus and spyware protection:
  
  Pros:
  Does not block any one program without your permission.
  Very easily customizable, contains a lot of detailed tabs.
  Automatic updating (which also does not interfere with computer usability).
  Huge virus, worm, trojan, spyware and other potentially unwanted software database knowledge (which, as mentioned above, is
  
  constantly updated).
  Monitors "virus-like" activity.
  
  Cons:
  "Allow once" button is not there, even though "Block once" button is.
  Hard to navigate for newer computer users.
  
  
  
  Program - Online ID theft protection:
  
  Pros:
  Completely blocks the sites that are scams by redirecting you to a page that notifies you that the website is unsafe.
  
  Cons:
  Only works with Internet Explorer® 7.
  
  
  
  Program - Wireless network Security:
  
  Pros:
  Fixes the loop holes and the problems that would cause a network connection to be potentially unsafe (stops hackers).
  Makes connection private so other people that are close proximity to network cannot connect to and waste bandwidth.
  
  Cons:
  Does not work with all routers.
  
  
  
  Program - Managed Firewall:
  
  Pros:
  Checks all data transfers for viruses.
  Includes automatic updating (which also does not interfere with computer usability).
  Detects and adjusts security for when you connect to a less secure network.
  
  Cons:
  None.
  
  
  
  Program - Onecare Circle:
  
  Pros:
  OneCare circle useful for monitoring other computers status'.
  Can preform high priority actions on computers that are connected to hub PC with the hub PC.
  
  Cons:
  Only up to 3 computers can be in the OneCare circle.
  Can ONLY preform high priority actions from a hub computer (no option to allow preforming low priority actions).
  
  
  
  Program - Backup and Restore:
  
  Pros:
  Can back up on CDs, USB, Network sharing, and external hard drives.
  Lets you choose completely what files to backup on computer.
  Can back up several computers at once, choosing to back up to one location or customizably seperate locations for certain
  
  computers.
  In event of dataloss, program will help easily restore data.
  Automatically updates in a scheduel manner programs that have changed
  Easy to understand menu.
  
  Cons:
  None.
  
  
  
  Program - Preformance Tune-ups:
  
  Pros:
  Disk cleaning.
  Automatic full-pc scans.
  Checks and removes unused programs that cause slow down and aren't used.
  Checks for new or changed files that need to be resaved.
  Checks for missing security and critical updates from Microsoft.
  Checks for PC and program settings that might be hurting your PC's security or performance.
  Although Tune-ups are slow (and slow down the computer's use), they can be preformed while you are sleeping and while the computer
  
  is unused.
  Gives you and easy way to fix the problems on your computer.
  
  Cons:
  None.
  
  
  
  Help and support:
  1 year FREE help and support.
  Unlimited customer care.
  
  
  
• Works For Me
  By A3SYR04JDC6AJB on 2008-02-09
  I must admit that I purchased this product with some trepidation. There were so many negative reviews here and elsewhere I decided to do some personal research on my own. What I found was very positive and I really liked the price. Since installing it and applying most of the automated features I am very pleased. I have been using Windows Live One Care for several months now and it has not let me down once. I operates quietly in the background and performs tasks like backup, disc cleanup and defragmentation on a schedule as advertised. I have had none of the "glitches" I had experienced with Norton and some other internet security software. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• Gets a second star for ease of network setup; otherwise, this program is a bust
  By A33CLVW2K7SL1P on 2008-03-31
  EDIT 4/7/08: In December 2007, OneCare version 2.0.2392.4 (not the current version, granted, which is 2.0.2500.22) failed ICSA (icsa labs dot com) testing for Desktop/Server Monthly Cleaning, though it did pass the Desktop/Server Monthly Detection test. Even with a newer version available, this really takes the program back to one star for me. No version of an anti-virus software package should be failing these basic tests. Pathetic, really.
  
  There seems to be one good thing, and only one good thing, about using Windows Live OneCare as opposed to other solutions, such as McAfee, Norton, and others: It makes home networking for Vista extremely simple. When OneCare was installed on both PCs in my house, they immediately saw each other and without prompting set up print sharing. That was pretty impressive.
  
  Then OneCare started to remind me, constantly, that I needed a backup plan. One of its functionalities is performing automated backups. My roommate's PC can backup important information on an external hard drive attached to my PC. That's pretty cool, right? So I ordered a Western Digital Passport. When I set up the WD Passport, and tried to start my "backup plan", OneCare wanted to initialize the Passport with NTFS. That was a problem, because the Passport can't be reformatted for FAT, FAT32 or NTFS, but I didn't learn that until much later. I searched through all of OneCare's help files, trying to find anything on what to do if the drive can't be reformatted, and there was nothing but information on how to reformat. After trying to reformat the drive a dozen different ways, I went to Western Digital's website, where a few searches finally gave me the information I needed: the Passport uses its own proprietary file system, and can't be reformatted.
  
  I went back to OneCare's help screens, and looked again for supported backup devices. Just as I had seen prior to buying the Passport, OneCare listed an "external hard drive" as a compatible device, but said nothing about the requirement of reformatting to NTFS. I looked again, trying every search I could think of, but could find absolutely nothing about OneCare needing the external hard drive formatted to NTFS. All I could find was that Microsoft "recommended" (that was the exact word they used) that the file system be NTFS because it is a more secure system.
  
  With that, I contacted OneCare support, where I was told that OneCare *required*, not "recommended", NTFS on the external hard drive. I asked the OneCare tech to show me where, in the help screens or anywhere in Microsoft's Knowledge Base, it says that OneCare requires NTFS to function. He could not.
  
  Obviously, I returned that drive.
  
  There are a few other things that OneCare doesn't do. It has zero spam protection, and doesn't scan incoming e-mails or attachments. Given that Microsoft knows Outlook inside and out, I found that latter omission to be extremely odd. Thirty five minutes later, after an excruciatingly slow chat session with a OneCare tech support, I was told that I would need to use Norton, McAfee, or something else provided by my ISP if I wanted spam and e-mail protection. But wait - OneCare requires that you delete any and all antivirus programs! Norton and OneCare can't co-exist; neither can OneCare and McAfee.
  
  I asked OneCare tech support what, then, was the benefit of using OneCare as opposed to these other programs that did more, and for the same or similar price (or, for me, as a Comcast customer, McAfee is free). His answer was, and this is a direct quote, "OneCare is an antispyware, and an anti virus at the same it helps you protect your computer".
  
  Huh?
  
  When you put that all of that together, with the fact that OneCare is a bundle of System Tools bundled into Vista for free, using OneCare makes no sense whatsoever. So, I asked for info on how to obtain a refund. The link he provided me with didn't work, so he gave me a phone number. I haven't called them yet, but I will, and wonder how easy this will be. In both of my conversations with OneCare tech support, I didn't get the feeling that they really understood their product. Perhaps I *can* use McAfee for e-mail scanning, virus scanning, etc., and just use OneCare to manage my network, or "OneCare circle", as they call it.
  
  This program is a bust. Don't waste your money.
  
  
  
• Buy it from Amazon
  By A6BXH67ZVP74J on 2007-12-29
  I have been using One Care for over a year and love it. Basically I am just a home computer user, far from being computer savvy, but it works for me and gives me piece of mind. I have an external hard drive and the auto back-up will be there to save my embroidery files.
  
  
• Worry Free
  By A1HM98NRVD15O on 2008-01-14
  Easy to install and it works well on XP and Visa. It does everything for you to protect your computer. Great Product for less money.
  
  
• OneCare
  By A16TN13ZXORTPV on 2008-02-09
  I have been using OneCare for over 2 months now and I have not experienced anything negative to report. I even believe my computer runs better after removing Norton 360. You can install this software on 3 computers and it will network those computes as well. We have 3 computers in our house hold, 2 desk top and one laptop. The 2 desktops have printers but the laptop does not. One thing I found handy was that through this program I can now print from my laptop to one of the other computers with printers.
  
  
• Pretty Good but Nags You Often
  By A2H2SRV5BCI2E0 on 2008-02-10
  I've used version 1.0 and found it to work pretty good. I tried Kaspersky for a year but went back to this as Kaspersky kept crashing on my Vista computer, which it didn't do on XP. Another reviewer complained about the $50 price tag but I've seen it for far less in most places and I bought my copy at Amazon for basically free after mail in rebate, plus you can use it on 3 computers. Version 2.0 works as well as the 1.0 version did, though sometimes it can get a bit naggy. For example, if you turn off the Windows firewall because you have one on your router, it will nag you. If you don't back up, or use a different program to back up, it will nag you. If you don't download and install Windows Genuine Advantage, it will nag you. Like another reviewer mentioned, I wish Microsoft would include support for eSATA drives, it takes a long time to back up 750GB worth of data using USB 2.0 or even FireWire. I even tried using a PCIe to eSATA card but that still didn't work.
  
  
• love this product over norton systemworks
  By A2P0I223Z4U434 on 2008-02-17
  Norton Systemworks played havoc with my computer. It literally took days to run a virus scan, it delayed my keyboard, and was generally slowing down my entire computer. As soon as I installed Windows Live Onecare operating speeds returned, my keyboard worked correctly and virus scans ran in minutes not days. The yearly subscription is less expensive also. I will never by another Norton product again.
  
  
• It's main job: protect itself, not your computer
  By ACYZ2P81A4CU3 on 2008-02-27
  The "generous" 3 months trial turns into a nightmare once you have paid for the product. In 2006 I bought it, installed and used in three computers. In November 2007 after trying to upgrade it to the new version, I wrongly opted to make a brand new installation after I could not enter the new number to upgrade the old one. Infortunately the computer where I installed the new version crashed and when I tried to re-install it, the installation program did not allow it, warning that the ID has already been used. Then, I got lots of rounds of non sense instructions.
  
  Finally I contacted someone in the technical support but all I got was more cryptic instructions that don't make sense either. Bottom line: three months later, I am still figuring it out.
  
  The three person who I recommended the product while in the trial period have reported similar convoluted setup, once something goes wrong.
  
  My theory: I have used several microsoft products for a long time. This is the most convoluted protection scheme from microsoft that I know. Considering that this is a cheap product that you can buy on sale for about 20 bucks or so, (at least while they eat up the competition), the only explanation is that they are testing this copy protection scheme to use it in their main products. No even Vista is so protected. I feel kind of guinea pig.
  
  
• Uninstall McAfee first
  By ABTUNH7645QJL on 2008-03-03
  Of course you need to uninstall your current security system to install a new one, but OneCare is supposed to do that as part of the install process. It was happily installing on my PC, getting as far as partly uninstalling McAfee, when it locked. I rebooted and found that I could neither complete the install of OneCare nor the uninstall of McAfee. I had corrupted software and no virus protection. In the end, I did a system restore to the previous state and started from the beginning, but this time uninstalling McAfee before attempting to install OneCare. This time, no problem.
  
  OneCare seems to be working well, but you can't get away from the fact that everything it does is either available elsewhere free, or is already part of Windows. It is convenient having it available in one place, and being able to schedule a complete tune-up, but I shall think long and hard when subscription renewal time comes around. OneCare really needs some value-added, a killer app, to make it really worthwhile.
  
  
  
  
• Seamless/Integrated/Expensive
  By A2R9J5LULVKF6T on 2008-03-03
  The jury is still out for me and this product, not to determine whether or not it's any good - I think it is - but whether or not it's something I actually need. That said, I bit the bullet and purchased the subscription, but:
  
  1. I am probably a savvier user of technology since it's my career to do so, so I am not prone to most of the common 'attacks' on security that many people are (opening attachments from strangers, accepting cookies and the like from questionable websites, installing 'free' toolbars and other assorted crap like 'free' games or 'free' anything)
  2. I already have redundant copies of 'critical' files saved in multiple locations, either at work or at home or on backup CD's/hard drives.
  3. My home network consists of my desktop and my laptop, and the only resources I need to share (wireless internet, external hard drive) are able to be shared using capabilities already included in those systems/drivers/Vista.
  
  I do like that MS has streamlined this product for Live users, as I've had MSN as my internet email account since 2002 and not having to sign up for yet another online ID/account is one less opportunity for spam. However, many of the features of Windows Vista (performance tuneups, easier home networking) are more than adequate for what the 'average' home computer user needs and therefore I am not 100% convinced that most of us will receive tremendous value from this (which might be one of the reasons that, with the current rebate, you can get this software for free).
  
  MR
  
  
• Couldn't Wait to Uninstall It! Made the Computers Slow Down to a Snail's Pace!
  By A3SMR4HRFJARSC on 2008-03-12
  I received this program through the Amazon Vine program. It came with a license to use it on three computers. My husband and I were both impressed with what the program said it could do. It sounded too good to be true. We installed it on two desktop PCs and one laptop.
  
  All the computers were slowed down to a snail's pace. Starting up the computer took at least three minutes (and seemed like a lifetime). Opening each program took so long, minutes to open an application! Opening my (popular) email application and waiting for the download to happen took forever. The process by which it scans each email for viruses apparently takes a lot of time. To cope I'd end up opening the program, walking away and returning later to read the email.
  
  Even using the computer doing simple tasks like changing to view the email program to use a word processing program was very difficult. I'd click on the other application and it would pause and nothing would move, then a minute or two later the screen would finally react. Flipping from one Internet browser to another would have long pauses and it `wouldn't go'. Before installing this program I could flip to different Internet browser windows with immediate results. Trying to open new programs such as a spreadsheet program took forever and the cursor didn't seem to react, so I'd click on the icon again. In the end sometimes I'd end up with three of the programs open and ready to run.
  
  I had the worst experience with using a (popular) photo altering program. That program kept locking up.
  
  The long time that it took to access different programs and to switch from viewing the Internet to the word processor made the most basic computer work painstaking and time consuming. It was ridiculous. I have not experienced a computer being this way since the early 1990s when I was accessing the Internet through dial-up! To cope with the computer being this way, I took to reading something on paper while I waited for the system to catch up so I could do whatever it was that I was trying to do.
  
  Also when starting up the system each day I'd get an urgent message that there was a problem! Guess what `the problem' was? I had new documents that needed backing up. Give me a break--that is no urgent or emergency situation.
  
  We were so happy to uninstall this from all of our computers. Now are computers are back to normal.
  
  We did spend quite a lot of time installing this program and then uninstalling it. What a waste of time this was. I can't believe how poor this program is, I'm really surprised.
  
  If I had paid money for this I'd be irate about it! I got it free from the Amazon Vine program so all that was wasted was our time.
  
  
  
• Installation is TOUGH! Read on...
  By A2BCDZO1XQLDH on 2008-03-13
  I thought I would try out Microsoft's solution for PC protection as it was offered as a freebie for Vine subscribers. I was shocked how much needed to be downloaded on initial installation. If you are on dial-up be prepared to spend "between 1 and 2 hours" for an a initial download while installing. "15-30 minutes" via broadband. Not sure why there is so much downloading for an initial software install. This bothered me, not a great way to start a relationship with software...
  
  It took about 45 minutes to get this all installed, including a frustrating experience with the Microsoft servers, and online protection keys that were SO difficult to decipher that it took me FOUR tries to finally get through. I appreciate the need to protect from hacking, but a novice user may NEVER be able to get beyond this step...
  
  Then enter a 25 character license key. Three tries at that. OH I guess they want upper case letters. This is not an obvious requirement because all letters in the key are upper case, thus giving no clue as to the importance of letter case in the key...
  
  My goodness, all this time unprotected I am likely infected, (yes, you have to uninstall any other protection you might have installed, prior to installing this)...
  
  Right now, I have a GREEN light, which means that I am supposedly fully protected. But I am running a full virus, spy ware scan, and it is very slow... I'll try it a few more days, but the verdict thus far is: DOG. Actually, that's not really being fair to dogs... Also the backup program is REALLY slow, but so then is Norton's Ghost. I like Acronis's True Image (e.g. Acronis True Image 11 Home) backup solutions.
  
  Nothing about this initial experience inspires confidence, which is exactly what this kind of software SHOULD do...
  
  
• Incomplete protection, but still good
  By A1ZTE3K3EN4TS3 on 2008-03-17
  This is Windows answer to Norton. I don't know what took them so long to create it, but they finally did. You have a firewall, parental protection, antivirus, and a spyware blocker all in one product. Yes, there is a yearly subscription involved (like Norton), but it's affordable (less than fifty dollars right now).
  
  The installation is smooth under Windows XP. I haven't tried this in Vista yet, but a friend of mine did and has had no issues with it there either. It updates regularly and can be set to do everything with no user intervention. This is a good all-in-one suite for someone who wants to just set it and forget it. It does an adequate job of keeping your computer safe. The more technically inclined will have their own individual programs that they prefer over any suite, but the casual user will find this easy enough to use.
  
  The only issue I've had is on the servers I have this set up on. Occasionally after an update the servers will lose connection with the internet and I'll have to adjust the firewall settings. It's a relatively quick fix and not a reason to skip this product, but I wanted to be complete in the review.
  
  The bottom line is there are other alternatives that work just as well for less money (AVG Antivirus, Comodo Firewall Pro, etc), but if you're looking for something to put on your parents' computer or a friend's computer that you can set up and not have to constantly be their on-call tech support, this is the best choice.
  
  
• Warning
  By AYL2RCBAY86ML on 2008-04-12
  Unfortunately Microsoft, in typical anti-competitive behavior, has made sure that you cannot use other vendors products once you install OneCare Live, without constant warnings. They believe that using other scanners (not in real time) to find additional problems should never be allowed. If you install this you will be warned if you use Ad-Aware or SpyBot SD, both of which are free products. OneCare Live is known to not catch a number of infections, so occasionally scanning with another product is advisable. You should never run more than one scanner product in real-time, however, manually scanning with more than one is advisable. Microsoft once again is trying to irradiate competitors instead of focusing on the viruses and spyware on your computer. You would have think they would have learned something from the IE lawsuits.
  
  

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