> What makes OneCare unique is that it essentially provides many of the
> centrally-managed IT administrative functionality one might expect in a
> corporate environment, but to home users. But instead of providing a human
> administrator, Microsoft provides an Internet-based service that works
> continually and automatically and is always up to date. You only deal with
> OneCare, per se, when something goes wrong. And if something really goes
> wrong, Microsoft is providing support via phone, email, or Web chat.
> [unquote]
>
> I am not sure if this is representing real value as assistance,
> troubleshoot advice can be obtained freely from various newsgroups and/or
> fora and good quality freeware can be configured to update automatically.
>
> So, let's examine this package more closely from a (non-expert) users
> point-of-view and if Windows Live OneCare represents real dollar value for
> the average homeuser.
>
> Windows Live OneCare includes:
>
> -- An excellent antivirus application --
>
> Many experts used to suggest that Windows Live OneCare is on the bottom of
> the list as far as finding viruses\malware\trojans.
> However, I understand that the new version of this (OneCare) AV application
> has changed for the better and the virus catchrate has improved
> significantly. It is debatable however if OneCare AV is significantly
> better compared to good quality free-ware application such as Avira
> AntiVir® Personal or avast! 4 Home Edition. Even if OneCare is an equally
> good AV application, you'd still have to fork out dollars.
> So, as far as performance is concerned why would anybody considering
> purchasing OneCare?
>
> -- An excellent firewall application --.
>
> An excellent firewall application is already included in both WinXP and
> Vista operating systems.
>
> Managing the Windows Vista Firewall
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/m.../cc510323.aspx
>
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- An excellent antispyware application --.
>
> An antispyware (A-S) application (WindowsDefender) is already included in
> Vista OS and can be freely downloaded for WinXP. Add SuperAntispyware Free
> Edition & Malwarebytes and you're as good as gold.
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- Automatic system clean/tune-ups --
>
> Free System Tuner
> http://www.easyfreeware.com/free_sys...-freeware.html
> Speed up your PC with our Free Registry Cleaner
> http://onecare.live.com/site/en-US/a...leaner_why.htm
> --but--
> Why I donÿt use registry cleaners!
> http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000643.html
>
> IMO, a safer option is to use CCleaner ignoring the registry
> scanning/fixing option followed by using NTREGOPT (all freely available).
> --and/or--
> Clean HDD
> Click Start==>Run... then type (or copy/paste) "cleanmgr" (w/out quotation
> marks into the box, then click the 'OK' button. Select your drive
> (presumably WinXP (C and click OK.
> Delete files using Disk Cleanup (if on Vista)
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...139d91033.mspx
>
> So, why would anybody jeopardize proper functioning of their OS?
>
> -- Automatic hard drive defrag --.
>
> A HDD defragmentation utility is already included in both WinXP and Windows
> Vista which can be scheduled to scan at predetermined times.
>
> Schedule a weekly defragmentation
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/defrag.mspx
>
> Features of the Windows Vista hard disk defragmentation utility
> Scheduled defragmentation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942092
>
> Also, there are a number of freeware defrag tools available which, the
> best to my knowledge are doing a wonderful job.
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- Checks for updates to be sure they are installed --.
>
> Aside from Using the free Windows Update function in both WinXP and Windows
> Vista, Secunia Personal Software Inspector, Belarc and M/S Security
> Baseline Analyzer can assist also.
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- Schedules automatic backups of important files --.
>
> Backup and Restore Center is an in-build version and comes free with both
> WinXP and Vista operating system.
>
> Windows XP Backup Made Easy
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u..._03july14.mspx
> Windows Backup and Restore Center
> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...es/backup.aspx
>
> So, why would one want to pay for something which comes free in the first
> place?
>
> BTW, some users are impressed with free ware such as Cobian, Macrium
> Reflect, XXClone, Paragon etc...
>
> -- New version 2.5 just released - designed to work exceptionally well with
> Windows Vista & XP --.
>
> One would hope that this is the case, after all, it's a MSFT product!
> Selective, good-quality freeware applications are working like a charm as
> well in both WinXP and Vista operating systems!
>
> -- All-in-one convenient, easy to install application --.
>
> So are selective, good-quality freeware applications/utilities.
>
> -- On sale at Newegg for only $19.99 --
>
> If I were in the spending mood and were looking for a worthwhile addition
> to my Operating System I'd find another $30.- and purchase Acronis Back-Up
> package.
>
> Well, considering the above, I haven't got the foggiest idea what the hype
> about Windows Live OneCare package is all about!
> But, it is not unusual that in Multi National Organizations such as MSFT
> the Section Heads of the Commercial Department and the Program Engineers
> (Operating Department), are having conflicting opinions as they work for
> different goals.
> The Program Engineers are the pragmatic type, they develop things, they
> know things. They have to demonstrate high integrity in order to produce
> high quality software.
> The Advertising People know how to sell and push things. They mostly walk
> on a fine line but cross it frequently for the sake of the dollar almighty
> and in the name of the share holders. The nature of their job prevents them
> to be moral and ethical.
> The goals of the Commercial Dept. are not necessarily in the best interest
> for the end user.
> (The Office 2007/OE6 spell checker issue is just another example.)
> Would MSFT recommend the use of registry cleaners if Dr. Mark Russinovich
> and Ed Bott had a say? I don't think so!
> Would MSFT have included these lame additions to their Windows Live OneCare
> application if their program engineers had a say? I don't think so!
> As usual, Marketing trumps common sense. Let's hope that users pay more
> attention to the details instead to the sensational promotion.
>
> As I said, no surprise, and hooray to the program engineers