- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (90-day trial); $49.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP
- Date added: August 26, 2009
- Total Downloads: 234,516
- Downloads last week: 731
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 102 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
Although this program's protective measures are definitely working, some do their jobs a little too passionately.
Superslow to install, Windows Live OneCare's coordinated interface guards your computer against viruses and the like. You'll appreciate the added tune-up features to remove temporary files and installations from ActiveX and Java applets. You can defragment your hard disks, manage updates, and backup or restore your PC. Backups are easily scheduled as well.
The firewall blocks stopped programs from accessing the Web without your permission, which was good, but the virus- and spyware-monitoring feature was exasperating. Windows Live OneCare vehemently gave us notice after notice that a potentially harmful or unwanted program was present, with options to clean it off. We finally just had to turn the monitoring mechanisms off because the window just kept popping up despite our repeated attempts to deem the program trusted. While it does protect your system, the security-conscious users who would benefit from this application will want Windows Live OneCare to let them have the last word.
Publisher's description
From Microsoft :Windows Live OneCare helps keep your PC safe from viruses, spyware, and other threats. This all-in-one, always-on PC care service from Microsoft works continuously, automatically, and quietly in the background to keep your valuable files protected and your PCs virus-free and working their best.
The new version includes multi-PC and home network management, printer sharing support, start time optimizer, proactive fixes and recommendations, WiFi security, centralized backup, and online photo backup.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.4 stars out of 102 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 5 user reviewsSee all 5 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Windows Live OneCare 2.5.2900.28
Pros: EASY. Runs like a charm. No viruses or anything in the years I used this. Set it and leave it. 2 probs very early on fixed expertly by live chat. Great service. Great program. I am satisfied with my purchase.
Cons: Very simple. Good if you dont want to do anything except turn it on and then renew once a year. No tweaking- It's not even a bike with training wheels- it's more like a tricycle. I took off a star cause I want a dirt bike- more control.
Summary: I give it straight As. It's no longer available. But Im definitely going to give the new "Security Essentials" a try.
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Version: Windows Live OneCare 2.5.2900.28
Pros: I've used OC for 2 yrs. It has protected my computer w/o being a nuisance. It integrates seamlessly with Vista and does not slow down my computer nor freezes everything while it updates like McAfee. I love and will miss the OC suite.
Cons: OneCare is quite protective of Vista default settings. In some instances OC will display an "unprotected" icon when default settings are changed. In some instances, like IE, OC will revert the changed settings back to its original default setting.
Summary: Security software alone is not what keeps a computer malware free, although we expect the software to perform as promised. I employ other on-demand security wares and I try to use what I have learned about safely using the internet. This and OneCa... read more >>
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0 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Windows Live OneCare 2.5.2900.28
Pros: really, cuz it was from microsoft,..i had high expectations..the only this its good at is...is removing weak viruses,..detecting weak viruses, managing other PCs..and thats pretty much all it does,..
Cons: updates arent really UP-TO-DATE..and new definition viruses will REALLY even go as far as stopping your PC from booting!..one care wont notice ****..wish i could burn down microsoft for calling this an anti virus..i have lost my data 3 times now.. ;(
Summary: I HATE YOU,..(MICROSOFT)..and people,..spread the word that this is almost a trick....microsoft is really careless...and the customer service..it isnt that bad but,...'didnt do ****....i hate you microsoft...
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Windows Live OneCare 2.5.2900.28
"Easy / Works well for those that like simplicity"
Pros: Good firewall; Automatic backups with tuneups (Can create your own schedule); One subscription covers three computers; Easy network key setup.
Cons: Used to be able to backup to DVD disk (Can't figure out how to do this anymore). Customer service can be challenging, but they are good once you get in touch with them (They work through e-mail or chat; Wish they had phone number).
Summary: I like it much better than what I was using (Norton). Doesn't seem to slow my system down, and I really enjoy the simplicity. Wish it was easier to back up (Only once in a while; Not a schedule like that of a external hard drive) to DVD (e.g. Pics... read more >>
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Windows Live OneCare 2.5.2900.28
Pros: I hate this product and your customer service in india. Can't understand what they're saying so it takes longer to resolve problems because of language barrier.
Cons: Nothing. It does not protect the computer.
Summary: You're customer service is awful. Can't understand people from India. Was on phone 3 separate times with India for tech support fo 2- 3 hours. Mostly because of language barrier I can't even submit my complaint.
- See all 5 user reviews Write review
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