Speculation: WLO discontinue June 2009

[Andre Da Costa]

Thought I would post this here:
"In a very surprising move, Microsoft has announced today that Windows Live
OneCare customers will be getting the shaft next year. The software giant
has decided to replace OneCare with a free security solution (codenamed
"Morro") to be released in the second half of next year. The
yet-to-be-announced product will be a realtime anti-malware protection
solution, whereas OneCare offered that plus backup and management features.
Retail sales of the Windows Live OneCare subscription service will end on
June 30, 2009. "

http://arstechnica.com/journals/mic...ft-to-kill-off-windows-live-onecare-next-year

 

[Henri Fournier]

http://windowsonecare.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!C29701F38A601141!10418.entry

Henri Fournier

 

[the wharf rat]

Well it's about time. I really never thought they'd
last very long once Arrafat stepped down.

 

[StephenB]

Hi, Andrew.
That announcement took me by surprise, but in the long run I think it is a good
direction. The engine will continue and the fluff will be removed. From my
perspective, Tune-up, Backup, Circles, and the rest are complicated overhead for
the core concept of OneCare as a protection product.
I do hope that they offer these other services/components in another form in the
future, though.
-steve

 

[Kayman]

Thought I would post this here:
"In a very surprising move, Microsoft has announced today that Windows Live
OneCare customers will be getting the shaft next year.

No surprise to me!
It's about time that the program engineers get their say!

The OneCare package includes various additional software and it is
suggested that there is no need to install a multitude of different
security software. At first glance this seems to be fair enough.
Also, I read somewhere:

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 is representing 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 & Malwarebytes 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 clean/tune-ups --

Free System Tuner
http://www.easyfreeware.com/free_system_tuner-2842-freeware.html
Speed up your PC with our Free Registry Cleaner
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-US/article/registry_cleaner_why.htm
--but--
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).
--and/or--
Clean HDD
Click Start==>Run... then type (or copy/paste) "cleanmgr" (w/out quotation
marks into the box, then click the 'OK' button. Select your drive
(presumably WinXP (C and click OK.
Delete files using Disk Cleanup (if on Vista)
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/1264bc24-72a8-48aa-84e3-a355327139d91033.mspx

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 number of freeware defrag tools available which, the
best to my knowledge are doing a wonderful job.
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 free ware such as Cobian, Macrium
Reflect, XXClone, Paragon etc...

-- 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.
(The Office 2007/OE6 spell checker issue is just another example.)
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.

As I said, no surprise, and hooray to the program engineers

 

[Peter Foldes]

Windows Live OneCare includes:

-- An excellent antivirus application

They are using the Rav engine Technology which they (MS) purchased about 5 yrs ago. Rav a Romanian Company based in Bucharest who supplied all the Eastern Block countries with their Security Software

http://www.ravantivirus.com/

Look at the announcement in the middle of the site when opened. Links on the left side do not work since the purchase and on the right had side is something else altogether
--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

Thought I would post this here:
"In a very surprising move, Microsoft has announced today that Windows Live
OneCare customers will be getting the shaft next year.

No surprise to me!
It's about time that the program engineers get their say!

The OneCare package includes various additional software and it is
suggested that there is no need to install a multitude of different
security software. At first glance this seems to be fair enough.
Also, I read somewhere:

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 is representing 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 & Malwarebytes 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 clean/tune-ups --

Free System Tuner
http://www.easyfreeware.com/free_system_tuner-2842-freeware.html
Speed up your PC with our Free Registry Cleaner
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-US/article/registry_cleaner_why.htm
--but--
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).
--and/or--
Clean HDD
Click Start==>Run... then type (or copy/paste) "cleanmgr" (w/out quotation
marks into the box, then click the 'OK' button. Select your drive
(presumably WinXP (C and click OK.
Delete files using Disk Cleanup (if on Vista)
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/1264bc24-72a8-48aa-84e3-a355327139d91033.mspx

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 number of freeware defrag tools available which, the
best to my knowledge are doing a wonderful job.
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 free ware such as Cobian, Macrium
Reflect, XXClone, Paragon etc...

-- 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.
(The Office 2007/OE6 spell checker issue is just another example.)
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.

As I said, no surprise, and hooray to the program engineers

 

[Andre Da Costa]

I consider a lot of the stuff in the Windows Live OneCare suite is
overlapping. I think Tune-up itself is a resource nightmare and prefer the
low priority defragger built into Windows Vista. I personally have had a bad
experience with the product. It locked me out of my system once to the point
I was on the brink of formatting my system, luckily I booted into
diagnostics mode and removed it. I got a 3 license install and never thought
of using it. Hopefully it will qualify for the next generation product.

 

[Kayman]

They are using the Rav engine Technology which they (MS) purchased about 5 yrs ago. Rav a Romanian Company based in Bucharest who supplied all the Eastern Block countries with their Security Software

http://www.ravantivirus.com/

Look at the announcement in the middle of the site when opened. Links on the left side do not work since the purchase and on the right had side is something else altogether

Well, let's hope that the Rav technology will be improved by the [MSFT]
program engineers and, if so, it should be a nice addition to exsting
freely available 3rd party AV applications.

http://windowsonecare.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!C29701F38A601141!10418.entry
"Q: What do you recommend I do at the end of my OneCare subscription if I
am running Windows XP?
A: You can renew your OneCare subscription until the new solution is
available. After that, you can choose our new offering for core antimalware
protection. A variety of third-party consumer security offerings are also
available."

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/Nov08/11-18AmyBarzdukasQandA.mspx
PressPass: Why has Microsoft decided to offer a no-cost anti-malware
solution?

"Barzdukas: The decision to offer a new anti-malware solution, code-named
´Morro,¡ at no additional cost to consumers is driven by our commitment to
provide a trustworthy computing experience. We know that there are still
some 60 percent of consumers in developed markets, and even more in
emerging markets, that donÿt have up-to-date security protection on their
PCs, and we want to help provide that core level of protection."

He forgot to mention that (with the exeption of the Windows Firewall)
good-quality 3rd party applications are not only better but freely
available as well!

 

[Frisbee®]

Hi, Andrew.
That announcement took me by surprise, but in the long run I think it
is a good direction. The engine will continue and the fluff will be
removed. From my perspective, Tune-up, Backup, Circles, and the rest
are complicated overhead for the core concept of OneCare as a
protection product.
I do hope that they offer these other services/components in another
form in the future, though.
-steve

Steve, I bought a one-year subscription through the Amazon.com deal, and
was going to be needing to implement it in the next week or two, as my
original subscription is about to expire. Do you think it's a waste of
time, seeing that I'll get services for another six months or so (or so it
appears) or will they continue to support those with subscriptions, just not
sell new ones?

 

[Peter Flindt]

My two cents, why I think it's impossible or not the best idea....

1)No Virus scanner can dedect 100%, imagine this "Morro" can dedect
98%, I am sure I know what kind of virus I get in each 3rd spam mail.

2)Will "Morro" available worldwide for free? In particular in the EU?
I guess I know the decree from some courts because of the requests from
McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky...

Peter

 

[StephenB]

The announcement noted that subscriptions will continue to be supported through
the end of their term, with renewals and new sales available through the end of
June 2009. So, renewing right up to the end of that period, means you can have a
subscription that is supported through the end of June 2010. You may decide to
switch to the free offering when that becomes available, or continue with your
v2.5 copy of OneCare. The malware engine and signatures will continue to be
updated, according to that announcement. I have no reason to doubt that this
will continue to be true since the new product will be using the same engine and
signatures at te core and it is the same as is used in Forefront.
So, I'd say that if you already have the retail key, go ahead and renew whenever
you wish to extend your subscription out another 12 months from the current
expiration - as it falls within the supported timeframe.

-steve

 

[StephenB]

My two cents, why I think it's impossible or not the best idea....

1)No Virus scanner can dedect 100%, imagine this "Morro" can dedect
98%, I am sure I know what kind of virus I get in each 3rd spam mail.

2)Will "Morro" available worldwide for free? In particular in the EU?
I guess I know the decree from some courts because of the requests from
McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky...

Peter

You're correct that no scanner is 100% effective. So, the choice is always yours
to use OneCare today or the new product when it is available or any 3rd party
product that you are comfortable with.
The announcements indicated that it will be available in all regions where
OneCare is currently sold at the initial release and it appears that their goal
is to make it available worldwide for free to all users of "Genuine" copies of
activated Windows as soon as possible thereafter. The restraining factor would
likely be localized language versions rather than distribution.
-steve