14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is indeed offering Windows Live OneCare 2.0 for free, but only the 90-day trial period version. However, the fully fledged security solution can be grabbed from Amazon.com for a total cost of $0. The official price of the product is $49.95. But the actual deducted price is just $30, the e-commerce website offering no less than 40%, or $19.95 off. But in addition to the discount, Amazon.com has also set up a rebate of no less than $30, essentially making Windows Live OneCare completely free. And this is not the 90-day trial version of the antivirus, but a license for an entire year.
Windows Live OneCare 2.0 went live in mid-November 2007, with the free 90-day trial variants becoming available for download immediately. Microsoft continues to offer the security solution for test driving with the same three months period at no charge even at this point in time. However, for the free fully fledged product, users will have to turn to Amazon.com and then cash in the rebate (tip via WinSupersite).
"The newest version of Windows Live OneCare is now available, includes the following features and more: antispyware protection, antivirus protection, online ID protection, firewall and backup and restore," informed Marcelle Amelia, Marketing Communication Manager at Microsoft.
Starting with version 2.0 of OneCare, Microsoft introduced support for the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista in addition to the 32-bit and 64-bit SKUs of XP and Vista which were already supported. Amy Barzdukas, senior director of Windows Live OneCare at Microsoft indicated that OneCare 2.0 was the Redmond company's all-in-one security solution for households with multiple PCs.
"If you're part of a small business or you live in a house with more than one computer, the OneCare service from Microsoft can make working with your computer network easier. You can manage your network's safety, share Internet access, and print to one printer from wherever you are in the building without sharing your personal information with the entire neighborhood," Amelia added.
Windows Live OneCare 2.0 is available for download here.