Windows Live OneCare Review
Backup function will automatically scan your computer for only the types of files that are predefined in the application: Outlook and Outlook Express files, financial files, picture files, document files, movie files (DVD movies not included), desktop and My Documents folders, IE favorites and recorded TV programs.
The user can include some other files or folders that are important and OneCare did not include in the list. After adding them you will not be able to see if that certain folder has been added or not as it is not listed, but take a look at the size of the files you want to backup. If a larger folder has been added you can clearly see and increment of the size.
OneCare will ask you where you want to save the backup files and if your choice is a CD/DVD you will be provided with the number of CDs and DVDs you need in order to write all the files.
The application also provides you with a settings section so that you can configure all the options provided. Tune-up settings includes only scheduling and enabling the removing of the unnecessary files during the optimization process. Backup can be turned on and off (keeping on this function will protect your files in case of accidental deletion and). In what concerns the viruses and spyware scanning it can also be scheduled and turned on or off, proving one more time OneCare’s flexibility.
The firewall included in the suite will be as silent as possible and will try as much as it cannot to assault you with all sort of popups for allowing or blocking certain applications from connecting to the Internet. By default all inbound connections are restricted but you can configure them in the Firewall settings.
A protection level slider that goes four levels (Restricted, Ask First, Automatic and Off) is available. The connection tool resident in this area spares the user of setting up certain connection by him/herself: file and printer sharing, connecting Xbox 360 or Media Center to the Media Center PC, sharing the connection with other Windows Vista computers, VPN, Internet connection Sharing or ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Center. Each connection is explained so the user will not be kept in the dark as to what OneCare does.
Advanced settings of the firewall gives access to the programs that have required permission through the firewall when launched and you can modify their status (allow or block them). Ports and Protocols allows a better management of the connections (both inbound and outbound) using user defined ports and protocols. The ports defined can either be a range set or a single one. Sharing option deals with configuring the firewall’s permission granting in what concerns the files and printers shared and the remote desktop connections.
OneCare is definitely not a product designed for experienced users, but the protection provided and the fact that it will not intrude at all makes it a good tool for the average user. It will run smoothly in the background and will ask for your permission only when the program trying to connect outside your computer is unknown (OneCare recognized Gnotifier and only announced me that the connection permission is granted).