The new version of the Windows Live OneCare service is being made available today, running on both 32- and 64-bit Windows Vista systems (32-bit Windows XP SP2 is also supported).

The service provides all-in-one, self-updating PC care designed to help consumers and small businesses maintain the security and performance of their PCs. Windows Live OneCare, a subscription service part of the Windows Live family, is available at retail outlets in 17 countries and can also be downloaded at http://onecare.live.com.

"Customers have told us they want an all-in-one solution for PC care that is simple and easy to use across all the PCs in their home," said Amy Barzdukas, senior director of Windows Live OneCare at Microsoft. "Windows Live OneCare helps address this need by providing a comprehensive set of security and performance tools while adding new features, including multi-PC management, printer sharing support and centralized backup options."

The latest version of OneCare offers:

Home Network Management now further simplifies management of multi-PC environments, including support for printer sharing and one-click wireless network security implementation.

Performance Plus enhancements consist of proactive system recommendations designed to improve the computing experience, as well as a monthly reporting regimen tallying the actions taken by OneCare in the last month plus recommended actions for all covered PCs.

Back-up and Restore now enables central configuration and monitoring of back-ups for all covered PCs, with all data being archived to a central location.

A free 90-day trial of OneCare can be downloaded http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm. A 1-year subscription and maintenance for up to 3 PCs costs only US$49.95. All current Windows Live OneCare subscribers benefit from new features as they are made available, including updates such as this one.