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Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates introduces the Windows OneCare Live computer security service at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on April 1, 2006. |
Microsoft has announced a paid security service priced at $49.95 per year to better protect the Windows operating system against threats from spyware, viruses, and cyberattacks.
The security service is expected to be launched by Microsoft in June under the name “Windows OneCare Live“—a subscription-based service that is said to compete with similar offerings from Microsoft’s partners like Symantec and McAfee.
According to Ryan Hamlin, General Manager of Microsoft’s Technology Care division, the primary goal of the new security service is to provide customers with the best protection for their computer systems. It is estimated that over 70% of customers do not regularly update their software with patches—a prerequisite for safeguarding computers against viruses and hacker attacks.
Windows OneCare Live was previously tested for free to protect Windows operating systems against Internet attacks and spyware. The service also promises to maintain system stability and provide backup and data recovery utilities. Windows OneCare Live will automatically update to the latest versions and will frequently add new features.
Statistics from security organizations show that the Windows operating system and Internet Explorer browser are two of the most frequently targeted areas for worms, computer viruses, and hacker intrusions.
