14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft's in the security market? Yes, that's what it seems like with big talk about OneCare. Wall Street Journal reported that Microsoft will initially let consumers try out the security products, called Windows OneCare Live for no charge as part of their performance for millions of users. After formally launching the service next year, Microsoft plans to charge a monthly fee.
When Microsoft bought Romanian antivirus software developer GeCad Software two years ago, it stated its intentions of offering antivirus products and looks like it's finally delivering. One Care has antivirus, firewall, backup-and-recovery and PC-maintenance software. In a market that's usually dominated by Symantec and McAfee, it's going to be interesting to see how they compete.
The company had previously released Beta versions to a limited number of people (invitation only), but the product is available for testing if you have a U.S. English version of Windows XP with SP2. The final release is expected for 2006.
Some of the new options from the latest Beta include the ability to back up data to external hard disk drives; automatic scanning of files received through the MSN Messenger instant messaging service, and integration with the usual delivery mechanism for security patches.