Digital Trends

Yesterday Microsoft gave an official release to its Windows Live OneCare 2.0 online service.

 

The service, which has been in beta since July, offers security and managed maintenance services for individuals and small businesses. With antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing protection, as well as a two-way firewall, it aspires to be a security center, as well as being able to optimize PCs, perform data backup, and arrange tune-ups.

 

"Customers have told us they want an all-in-one solution for PC care that is simple and easy to use across all the PCs in their home," Amy Barzdukas, senior director of Windows Live OneCare at Microsoft, noted in a statement. "Windows Live OneCare helps address this need by providing a comprehensive set of security and performance tools while adding new features, including multi-PC management, printer sharing support and centralized backup options."

 

Perhaps the most interesting wrinkle is OneCare Circle, allowing wireless networks to be managed from one place, including centralized backup.

 

The service is available as a free trial to those with a Microsoft Live ID. It can also be purchased as a download or on disk.