Microsoft today announced plans for Windows OneCare, a new subscription-based service that will proactively keep consumer PCs healthy. It will automate maintenance tasks, offer full security protection, and handle backing up essential files. As much as possible, the service will run in the background, out of sight. When necessary, the user will configure and review all of its functions in one place.
Windows OneCare will incorporate three essential security elements: firewall, antispyware, and antivirus. Where the current Windows Firewall protects only against attack from outside the PC, this new product, like most third-party personal firewalls, will also prevent unauthorized programs from making outgoing connections. Antispyware protection will build on Microsoft Antispyware, currently available as a free public beta. And the antivirus protection is rooted in technology acquired in 2003 from the Romanian firm GeCAD.
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