Windows Live OneCare

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.