Microsoft is set to discontinue the computer protection utility OneCare Live!
... this news has been out there for a while now, but the end is near for OneCare Live so this is being posted in case it affects you and you haven't heard about it.
Microsoft to kill off Windows Live OneCare next year (Updated)
Microsoft is phasing out Windows Live OneCare and will be replacing it with a free, yet-to-be-announced, solution.
By Emil Protalinski
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. Sales of the Windows Live OneCare subscription service as well as Windows Live OneCare for Server on SBS 2008 will end on June 30, 2009.
We've used this great product for it's anti-virus, firewall and backup features for some years now and it has worked great, so I'm sad to see it being phased out. Hopefully this new product will be OK... it least it's free.
News Press Release
Microsoft Announces Plans for No-Cost Consumer Security Offering
New anti-malware solution will broaden PC protection and help improve Windows experience.
REDMOND, Wash. ? Nov. 18, 2008 ? To address the growing need for a PC security solution tailored to the demands of emerging markets, smaller PC form factors and rapid increases in the incidence of malware, Microsoft Corp. plans to offer a new consumer security offering focused on core anti-malware protection.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/nov08/11-18NoCostSecurityPR.mspx