Microsoft asks consumers to test security service
Microsoft Corp. has invited consumers to test the latest beta version of its Windows OneCare Live security service.
OneCare Live is intended to protect PCs running Windows XP from viruses and hackers, and to keep important documents backed up. The software client which runs the service will automatically download updates to handle new Internet threats, Microsoft said.
The company released previous beta versions of OneCare Live to a limited number of users by personal invitation only. It is now inviting anyone running the U.S. version of Windows XP to test the service by registering on its Windows Live Web site.
Microsoft warned that if demand for the service is too high, it may still restrict entry so as to maintain the quality of the service. Anyone refused access to the service in this way will be put on a waiting list, the company said in a posting to the OneCare Live development team's blog.
The beta version of the software is free, but Microsoft will charge for the finished service, including access to software updates, the company said. It gave no indication of when the finished version will be ready and when the transition to paid service will take place.
