October 27, 2005
Microsoft Updates OneCare
Microsoft just shipped testers a new, updated version of their security product, Microsoft OneCare (beta). OneCare now scans files received in MSN Messenger and enables users to scan files and folders for viruses by clicking the right mouse button. OneCare address the need for a more comprehensive PC health solution. Microsoft says it is “a comprehensive and simple-to-use consumer subscription service that will provide automated protection, maintenance and performance tuning as an all-in-one package for Windows-based PCs.” “Windows OneCare is the next major advance in our ongoing efforts to help keep consumers’ Windows-based PCs ‘healthy’ in a way that’s simple and as worry-free as possible for them,” said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of the Technology Care and Safety Group at Microsoft. “We’re designing the service so it will continually update and evolve over time, helping to ensure that our customers will have the most complete and effective protection and safety services in place every time they turn on their PC.”
Microsoft OneCare will have an array of features. Windows OneCare is being designed to address core safety concerns such as worms, viruses and spyware, but also to span broader PC health issues: helping protect electronic assets such as digital photos, music, financial data and software; and guarding against performance degradation and system clutter that can result from heavy use. Key Features:
- Defense against online threats: Microsoft OneCare will include AntiVirus, AntiSpyware (not to sure why they did that, just use Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta1) and a two-way firewall (finally a good firewall! Not the piece of junk firewall included in XP SP2! Two-way firewall means incoming and outgoing information, like ZoneAlarm). It will protect you from spyware, viruses, trojan horses, and worms.
- Backup and Restore: OneCare will be able to back up and restore your PC. It can also backup and restore certain files (if you choose). OneCare can also restore corrupted files from the saved versions and map them on a PC.
- Performance Tools: Microsoft OneCare can also do performance tasks such as disk cleanup, hard-drive defragmentation and file repair. The service also will offer boot-time information and proactive support tools.
Many people think that this attempt by Microsoft to enter the AntiVirus field is invain. “I don’t think that Microsoft is going to take market share away from (security providers like Symantec), but instead it’s more likely (Microsoft) will be able to attract a lot of people who haven’t had antivirus on their desktops before,” said Gartner analyst Peter Firstbrook. If Microsoft can’t even make their operating system secure, what makes you think their AntiVirus will work. Don’t get me wrong, I’m part of the beta testing team, however, I think that users will be better off with a more experienced security company such as McAfee or the CA. Many of the woes of problems from end users are from flaws in eighter Windows or Microsoft Internet Explorer. “I think that at this point, a fair number of the kind of threats we see on the security front are not just attacking vulnerabilities,” said Amy Roberts, director of product management in Microsoft’s Security, Business and Technology unit. “Security is a key component, but OneCare goes beyond that to help customers have a broader sense of PC health.” Some of the tools included in OneCare are built into Microsoft XP. The only new things are an improved firewall (I’m sure no one here likes the MS Firewall included in XP SP2) and AntiVirus. How do you guys feel? Leave a comment.
Originally from AMCP Computer Privacy TECH BLOG on October 26, 2005, 7:51pm
Samsung Electronics launched its suitcase-type 19-inch LCD TV monitors ‘SyncMaster CX914MP/SyncMaster CX910MW’ The ’SyncMaster CX914MP’ is 19-inch LCD TV monitor that features 400 candela brightness with magic clear panel. You can fold and carry it like a suitcase. ‘SyncMaster CX910MW’ is wide LCD TV monitor that features high resolution of WXGA+(1440×900). With PIP(Picture In Picture) and PBP (Picture By Picture) functionalities, you can watch TV while working on the PC. ‘Magic Tune’ functionality enables you to watch TV anywhere about 200 countries in the world.
Some of us like to use bluetooth headsets that are a little extra funky. By funky we also mean cheaper. In comes the A | X headset from Nextlink. It comes with a unique 3-button interface for controlling the headset. Armed with a lithium-ion battery for powering the unit, you can recharge it via USB to get six hours of talk time and a whopping 300 hours of standby time. It even comes with a dorky neckstrap included to “ensure safe carrying while on the go”. It even weighs in at only 10 grams so it won’t way your ear down. At $99.00, you’re getting a lot of decent features for a bluetooth headset while not breaking the $100 price point. Available now.
Motherboard maker AOpen will launch its AOpen mini PC on November 1, with volume shipments of the Intel mobile CPU-based desktop system to follow in mid-November, according to market sources. Resembling the Apple Mac mini, the AOpen mini PC measures only 165×165×51mm and has a volume of 1.1 liters. The system will be built around the Intel 915GM chipset and come in two SKUs, with an entry-level Intel Celeron M 1.4GHz model priced at NT$20,500 (US$609) in Taiwan and a higher-end Intel Pentium M 1.7GHz model priced at NT$26,500 (US$788).
