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**sassofalco** · 05-09-2009

Windows Live OneCare is in terminal mode.....Alternative applications?

In the latter part of 2008, Microsoft announced that the subscribed services of WLOC are to be terminated in June 2009 in favour of new, free anti-malware software for Windows, tagged Morro. As of 6 June, my installed WLOC software [see screenshot below] will cease performing its functions on my Laptop ......So, faced with that prospect, I am left with no choice but to look for and install, other protective etc. software or tools that will provide similar, or better protection than that provided by WLOC.

WLOC is a package of software that provided me with the following protective and PC efficiency measures;
Virus and Spyware monitoring and scanning, Firewall protection, SmartScreen filter in IE8, Performance Plus Tuneup [Removal Temporary Internet Files, Defragging etc], Check for Security Updates from MS and for Files needing backup, and automatic incremental Backup to an External Hard Drive.

I currently have the following User-run protective and housekeeping software, programs or tools installed;
Malware Protection; Windows Defender [needs updating and reactivating, as it has been disabled because of conflict issues, since WLOC was installed two years ago].
Firewall Protection; Windows Firewall [alsoneeds updating and reactivating, as it too has been disabled because of conflict issues, since WLOC was installed two years ago].
Spyware scan and removal; Spybot - Search and Destroy.
Efficiency and tune-up; CCleaner, Defraggler and Recuva. From ‘Piriform’s’ stable of software.
Backup and Restore; Acronis True Image Home v11 2009.

I am wondering if I can improve my setup further by replacing a couple of the existing Windows installed programs with the following;
Malware Protection; Malwarebytes, in lieu of Windows Defender...........or do the additional functions of Windows Defender [eg. Add/Remove Startup programs etc.] make this a questionable move?
Firewall; Comodo Internet Security – Firewall only [Free version], in lieu of Windows Firewall. Any issues here to avoid?

The only stand-alone software I’m missing is a good anti-virus program, preferably free. Here I’m tossing up between the following;
Avast AntiVirus Home Edition [Free version], or,
Avira Antivirus Personal [Free Version].
Although, having said said that, there could be a strong case to argue for the installation of SUPERAntiSpyware – Pro [full coverage for $US29.95], as a multi-function program to run in tandem with Windows Defender.

I need comment, advice on pitfalls, recommendations or verification for what I intend to do, including advice about how to manage this radical change in my system’s protection software setup, and installation.

A final comment. I find it ironic that MS continues to solicit for prepaid annual subscriptions for WLOC [see screenshot above] , when they have already clearly made public statements indicating that they have every intention to terminate its existence in the next few months, starting end-June 2009. There is not one CD hardcopy to be had at any Computer Software retailers, and the Microsoft website itself is selling WLOC as bargain-bin software discounted by 40%. Kinda tells you, don’t it?
And in the meantime I have to endure a yellow 'Fair' status icon in my task tray, and be reminded of the fact each time I open WLOC. Blah!

05-09-2009	#1 (permalink)
sassofalco Vista Home Premium 32bit [x86] - SP2 832 posts	Windows Live OneCare is Dead - Alternatives? Windows Live OneCare is in terminal mode.....Alternative applications? In the latter part of 2008, Microsoft announced that the subscribed services of WLOC are to be terminated in June 2009 in favour of new, free anti-malware software for Windows, tagged Morro. As of 6 June, my installed WLOC software [see screenshot below] will cease performing its functions on my Laptop ......So, faced with that prospect, I am left with no choice but to look for and install, other protective etc. software or tools that will provide similar, or better protection than that provided by WLOC. WLOC is a package of software that provided me with the following protective and PC efficiency measures; Virus and Spyware monitoring and scanning, Firewall protection, SmartScreen filter in IE8, Performance Plus Tuneup [Removal Temporary Internet Files, Defragging etc], Check for Security Updates from MS and for Files needing backup, and automatic incremental Backup to an External Hard Drive. I currently have the following User-run protective and housekeeping software, programs or tools installed; Malware Protection; Windows Defender [needs updating and reactivating, as it has been disabled because of conflict issues, since WLOC was installed two years ago]. Firewall Protection; Windows Firewall [alsoneeds updating and reactivating, as it too has been disabled because of conflict issues, since WLOC was installed two years ago]. Spyware scan and removal; Spybot - Search and Destroy. Efficiency and tune-up; CCleaner, Defraggler and Recuva. From ‘Piriform’s’ stable of software. Backup and Restore; Acronis True Image Home v11 2009. I am wondering if I can improve my setup further by replacing a couple of the existing Windows installed programs with the following; Malware Protection; Malwarebytes, in lieu of Windows Defender...........or do the additional functions of Windows Defender [eg. Add/Remove Startup programs etc.] make this a questionable move? Firewall; Comodo Internet Security – Firewall only [Free version], in lieu of Windows Firewall. Any issues here to avoid? The only stand-alone software I’m missing is a good anti-virus program, preferably free. Here I’m tossing up between the following; Avast AntiVirus Home Edition [Free version], or, Avira Antivirus Personal [Free Version]. Although, having said said that, there could be a strong case to argue for the installation of SUPERAntiSpyware – Pro [full coverage for $US29.95]*, as a multi-function program to run in tandem* with Windows Defender.** I need comment, advice on pitfalls, recommendations or verification for what I intend to do, including advice about how to manage this radical change in my system’s protection software setup, and installation. A final comment. I find it ironic that MS continues to solicit for prepaid annual subscriptions for WLOC [see screenshot above] , when they have already clearly made public statements indicating that they have every intention to terminate its existence in the next few months, starting end-June 2009. There is not one CD hardcopy to be had at any Computer Software retailers, and the Microsoft website itself is selling WLOC as bargain-bin software discounted by 40%. Kinda tells you, don’t it? And in the meantime I have to endure a yellow 'Fair' status icon in my task tray, and be reminded of the fact each time I open WLOC. Blah!
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