14 DAY TRIAL // The new OneCare Live service from Microsoft has had many raise an eyebrow. It seems 'strange' that a company can sell one product, which is plagued by problems of all shapes and sizes and then also asks for money to help solve those problems.
Windows security has been widely criticized in recent years, Microsoft claiming that security is the biggest improvement in Vista, and the primary focus in the latest two Windows XP service packs. The security issue remains in XP, and as for Vista, there were viruses within hours of it reaching the public's hands in the community previews.
This is like buying a boat and being charged a monthly fee for a bucket. Why not get rid of the holes in the boat? Microsoft claims that the service is intended for those people who do not have any added or up-to-date security, which by their estimates is over 70 of the consumer user market. This is the solution, asking people to pay for security? If the product isn't safe, why not make it safe in the first place, instead of asking for protection money? Furthermore, if all efforts on behalf of the company have proved futile and security is still in the form of a three legged paperclip that answers to the name of 'Skippy', why would this service prove to be efficient?
Apple offers AppleCare for a brand new iMac Core Duo for $169. For almost the same price you get expert telephone assistance, onsite repairs for desktop computers, global repair coverage for portable computers and Mac mini, web-based resources, and TechTool Deluxe from Micromat. That's right, both software and hardware. And they say Macs cost too much?