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Windows Live OneCare - which has been on general release in the US since last year and on beta test in this country for months - provides anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection for consumers, across up to three home PCs.

It's Microsoft's first stab at an integrated security software package, although it wasn't well received in PC Pro's preview

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last year.

Security firms claim the launch of OneCare in the UK shows that Vista may not be as secure as has been claimed. 'If this is being launched alongside Vista, they can't think Vista is a 100 per cent secure operating system. It's an acknowledgement that there will still be virus problems in Vista,' said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

Cluley also claims Microsoft's lack of experience in the security market could cause the company problems. 'We, and the likes of Symantec, have been doing this for 20 years now. It remains to be seen how well Microsoft moves nimbly to deal with threats,' he added.

Windows Live OneCare will run on both XP SP2 and Vista systems and will cost £37.99 for up to three PCs. Beta testers will be offered a 60 per cent discount if they sign up here before 12 February.