Vista Tutorial - 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!

Hi mate, I have not used WLOC or anything similar for that matter.
Having snooped around the forums and had advice from friends, I ended up going for Avast.
Defender is also activated and the same as you I have Spybot Search and Destroy. I am not even close to being a computer expert but I have been running Avast and Spybot for 12 months with no problems and am very happy with it.

Thanks Mate.

I'm no computer expert either, having had this Laptop for just 2 years, and with no other previous experience whatsoever before buying it. WLOC, I subscribed to and installed at the very beginning and I'm pleased that I did because in a way, WLOC has given me a two year tutorial on systems management; Tuneup and Backups, Virus and Malware detection and removal, Defragmentation of Hard-disks etc. etc.

The most important thing that I have learned though, has been the absolute need to keep everything up-to-date.

I presume that you also make use of Windows Firewall as well? If that is the case, than all I need to decide is my choice of anti-virus program.

And because this will really be the first time that I will uninstall one lot of protective software before installing a new AV setup, I need to plan my angle of attack and set priorities in the uninstall/installation process. [For example, should I be disconnected
from the Internet Network as I carry out these changes?]. Has to be said though, I will miss WLOC - it has served me well.

Hello again sassofalco, it's a pretty simple task to uninstall WLOC. Just go to control panel>programs>uninstall. Select prgrams to uninstall and follow prompts.
Do all of this before installing your new antivirus.
There is no way to install an antivirus such as Avast without going on the net as that is where you will need to download it from.
I have had only 12 months experience at this, but somehow manage to keep learning.... as I am a set, forget and give me no hassles person, I have found Avast to have been terrific.
If go to http://www.avast.com/eng/download.htmlou you will find Avast download. It's a very simple, few minute operation.
By the way I use Windows Firewall.

Good Luck,
GT.

G'day again GT,

I've got no problems with the WLOC uninstall, but I am intending to first, download Avast from the website, and save it to my desktop.

After WLOC is uninstalled, I'll do a restart and then reactivate Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, restarting the Laptop after each event.

I'll then run and install Avast from the Desktop.

What I'm uncertain about is when to check for updates to Defender and Firewall, as since both have been disabled for the past two years, it's likely that there are a few outstanding, and of course most of the individual updates require a restart. Soon find out though.

I'm set to spend a bit of time on getting it right, and when all is done, will probably throw in a SpyBot S&D check, and an initial Avast scan, just for good measure.

Fingers crossed.

Hello Sassofalco,

You can still use the WLOC. As I found out on this site Windows Live OneCare safety scanner: Free online tool for PC health and safety there is still possible to download the free trail and get the subscription. By the way the Microsoft will support all current subscribers until their subscription expire.

Currently I'm using the MCAfee Total Security, but I plan to swich to the new and free WLOC successor when available in the second half of the year. As you mentioned, known by Morro code name.

Btw, the Avast is great and free I used it on my desktop.

Cheers...

Hi mate, sounds like you've got it covered...FYI a friend recently had a second hand laptop given to him. There was a swag of Windows Updates for Defender and others that needed updating.
From memory there were around 70 updates.
It was simply a matter of checking for available updates in Control Panel>Security>Check For Updates...... and then downloading and installing in one hit.

No dramas.

All the best.

Geez Mate....

No Dramas huh? Looks like they've rewritten the Manual, and the specification sheet for Windows Defender. No worries though, I'll just set to and do what I need to do, to keep a stable setup. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be creating Restore Points, left, right and centre, each step of the way.

One thought that has crossed my mind.......with WLOC currently still installed and active, is it possible in the meantime to save all the Windows Defender updates that I've missed for the past two years, to my Desktop, and have them ready to run as soon as I've uninstalled WLOC and reactivated Windows Defender?

Or do I need to have Windows Defender active and running before checking for updates? I'm thinking here of the 'anti-virus, malware etc.' conflict issues.

Thanks for input.

Hi sassofalco, I'm really not sure if Defender Updates can be saved to Desktop.

What I would do is get Defender up and running, then download updates, then Install Anti-Virus, then admire my handywork and pop open a beer.

I need to pop out....let me know how you go.

Cheers,
GT.

There are free programs that are better than Microsoft Onecare (1-star standard certification). Personally I would shoot for a 3-star certified Advanced+ program, but 2-star is ok.
Download here:Antivirus Scanners & Internet Security Tools

Recommended advanced free apps:
Avira
Avast