Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 2.0

Best Price:
The original version of Windows OneCare may have offered Windows users protection from the majority of online threats, but it didn’t have the all-round polish of some of its rivals. Things have moved on since then, and version 2 of this security suite has been toughened up and rounded off.

Features:
The software isn’t aimed at advanced users who want to pick and choose their security options. Instead, this is a comprehensive suite, with more features than last time around, designed to satisfy the security needs of the average user. All the important elements are here, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and browser protection (though, perhaps predictably, only supporting Internet Explorer). New to the fold is a vastly improved tune-up operation, which will delete temporary files and defragment your hard disk without you having to think about it, and more back-up options – though, unfortunately, it’s still not based online. An online photo back-up service is available but it costs extra.

Performance:
The scanning engine for picking up unwanted elements such as viruses and malware already installed on your computer is doing reasonably well in third-party tests, though its track record remains difficult to prove simply because it hasn’t been around for very long. The software has passed every Windows XP test set by third-party software checkers Virus Bulletin (www.virusbtn.com), but it has failed Virus Bulletin’s only published Vista test to date, which leaves a question mark hanging over its performance record. The scanning software runs constantly without having too big an impact on system performance and it can be used across three computers. It can even be used to centrally manage back-ups across a network, which is a very handy option.

Ease of use:
This is probably the main strength of the suite – it’s incredibly easy to use. This isn’t to say that advanced users can’t get their fingers dirty with firewall port settings if they want to, but OneCare uses a multi-layered approach that works very neatly. At its most basic, there’s a traffic-light icon in the Taskbar that will alert you to the software’s status, but those looking for simple but reasonably comprehensive protection should find this working without the need for much input.

Value for money:
Microsoft is putting OneCare out at a competitive price, which is always good news. The downside is that it isn’t as sophisticated as the more expensive Norton and McAfee suites so, ultimately, you’re simply getting what you pay for.