Microsoft launched an international version of its free Web-based PC security and tune-up application on Monday and promised worldwide beta versions of Windows Live OneCare, the company’s new consumer security product.The security and tune-up application, called Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner, runs from a Microsoft website. It doesn’t have to be installed onto a PC. The scanner removes viruses and other malicious software and can perform basic maintenance, such as defragmenting the hard disk, so programs run faster. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe Microsoft rolled out its OneCare consumer security product in May, its first major move into the computer security area. Microsoft said international beta versions of OneCare will be available by the end of the year in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.OneCare, priced at US$49.95 per year, can be used on up to three PCs, an aggressive licensing strategy intended to compete with major antivirus software vendors such as Symantec and McAfee. The software contains antivirus, backup, firewall, antispyware and PC tuning features. The two applications fall into Microsoft’s Live services, a range of Web-based and desktop applications the company is developing to keep its edge over competing ones from companies such as Google.-Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service (London Bureau)This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Fireside Chat between Tata Communications and Tata Realty: 5 ways how Technology bridges the CX perception gap By Tata Communications Sep 24, 2023 9 mins Emerging Technology feature Mastercard preps for the post-quantum cybersecurity threat A cryptographically relevant quantum computer will put everyday online transactions at risk. Mastercard is preparing for such an eventuality — today. By Poornima Apte Sep 22, 2023 6 mins CIO 100 Quantum Computing Data and Information Security feature 9 famous analytics and AI disasters Insights from data and machine learning algorithms can be invaluable, but mistakes can cost you reputation, revenue, or even lives. These high-profile analytics and AI blunders illustrate what can go wrong. By Thor Olavsrud Sep 22, 2023 13 mins Technology Industry Generative AI Machine Learning feature Top 15 data management platforms available today Data management platforms (DMPs) help organizations collect and manage data from a wide array of sources — and are becoming increasingly important for customer-centric sales and marketing campaigns. By Peter Wayner Sep 22, 2023 10 mins Marketing Software Data Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe