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 represents is 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/magazine/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 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 tune-ups --.
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).
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/using/setup/tips/defrag.mspx
Features of the Windows Vista hard disk defragmentation utility
Scheduled defragmentation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942092
Also, there are a few freeware defrag tools available which, the best to my
knowledge, outperform the in-build version.
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/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx
Windows Backup and Restore Center
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/backup.aspx
So, why would one want to pay for something which comes free in the first
place?
BTW, some users are impressed with Cobian Backup-Free.
-- 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.
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.
Please be guided accordingly!
