Windows Defender and Windows OneCare Live Do you remember the first time you installed an anti-virus application on your computer? I'm not 100% sure, but I think it was a Norton offering and I was shocked by how drastically it impacted system performance. As memory serves I ran a full scan, found nothing, and promptly uninstalled the application. That was a long time ago when the internet was a much kinder and gentler place and security applications were still considered optional. Those days are long gone. Today it would be computing suicide to run without updated virus, firewall, spyware, adware, and malware protection. I have no idea what percentage of the software market is composed of security applications but it must be fairly high and potentially lucrative for Microsoft to get involved with Windows OneCare Live Beta and Windows Defender.
The first question likely to come to mind is "What is Windows OneCare Live Beta?" I have my own thoughts on the matter but for right now I'll just post what Microsoft has to say on the Windows OneCare Live site. "This PC care service is always on, running quietly in the background. It helps give you round-the-clock protection and maintenance—virus scanning, firewalls, tune ups, file backups, the whole nine yards. Delivered to you in a smooth, hassle-free package." You might ask the same question about Windows Defender (Beta 2) so here's what Microsoft says. "Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a security technology that helps protect Windows you from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. This enhanced protection improves Internet browsing safety by helping to guard the places where spyware can enter your computer." I decided to take at look at both Windows OneCare Live and Windows Defender to see what they have to offer in the way of personal computer protection. These aren't in depth tests pitting the products against other company offerings. I leave that to the experts. They are just basic overviews and screen captures showing what you can expect if you are thinking about downloading and installing either or both of the applications.
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