According to The Register, Microsoft will "omit" antivirus services for Windows Vista when it ships. Previously, it had been thought Microsoft may incorporate some sort of antivirus technology within Vista. Microsoft is shipping Windows Defender, Microsoft antispyware program currently in beta, with Windows Vista and also making it available to users on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Microsoft currently as their own antivirus program in beta testing under Windows OneCare.
Now not only am I disappointed, but also confused by the statements at hand. Microsoft has previously stated there were no plans to offer Windows OneCare (atleast from what I was told)on the Windows Vista platform, making it specifically for Windows XP Serivce Pack 2 users. The Register mentions Windows OneCare which forces me to think perhaps they have changed their thoughts. Could we see Windows OneCare offered for Windows Vista? Maybe.
I've been testing Windows OneCare for quite some time and its an excellent program. But when compared with some of the new features currently in Windows Vista, I'm not sure Windows OneCare makes sense on Vista. Windows OneCare offers excellent backup capabilities yet Windows Vista offers some of the same in the new Windows Backup feature. The only two things that strike me as something that sort-of fits for Windows Vista is the one-click PC Tune-up and Antivirus features. Other than that, Windows OneCare really doesn't offer much more than what's already in Windows Vista - in my opinion.
What I think Microsoft should do is simply drop Windows OneCare. Get rid of it. Port it over to Windows Defender. Allow users of Windows Defender on Windows 2000, XP, and Vista to pick and choose services via Defender in the way of modules. If I want high end virus protection, I can simply pay for the service, download the antivirus module for Defender, and I'm set. Same for enhanced backups and PC tune-ups and any other services Microsoft may sit fit. This way Defender is the key application for PC protection. Consumers won't get confused over Windows OneCare and Windows Defender and these PC protection services would be avaible on multiple platforms. For people who want to choose not to use Windows Defender, don't worry - Defender can be deactivated in Windows Vista. These are just my thoughts here.
Josh at Windows Connected likes my idea.