[Mystic]

I don't do much work on home computers, but now i'm glad I don't.

The new services Microsoft will launch and push with Vista look like they are going to make life hard for the home computer technician.

For a fee each month you get virus and spyware protection. I have been running a beta version of onecare for a few of my customers and I am quite amazed how well it actually works.

For those that don't know anything about it, check out http://www.windowsonecare.com/

Although there is a business version of this software, I don't think it will impact on business much. As most businesses still want a technician of some sort looking after their business.

Anyway, keen to hear your thoughts.

jasonkozdra

Don't worry about it...you ever known ANY software product to work as it was supposed to, especially one by Microsoft?

[Mystic]

I take it you didn't read the post and just posted here to bash Microsoft. Thanks for making yourself look so intelligent.

Chevy

Ok ... I'll read the post, and then agree with Jasonkozdra ...

18 years of dealing with all aspects of IT ... There will always be a need for a human to step in and help. Antivirus and antispyware apps are used today, yet they are still circumvented by user error. This will not change with Vista or Windows OneCare.

Now, Mystic, kindly lay off belittling other members (especially since you asked for others to comment).

Also, the single biggest foe to those who provide home support is the $399 pc from <Insert Big Builder Here>. When a service call can easily run upwards of $150, many think it's just not worth it. Instead, they live with it as long as they can, then buy another pc.

[Mystic]

Well, I have 12 years of experience and I can see OneCare as poseing a threat to home user computer Mr. Fix It people.

Most ISPs here offer mcafee suits or nortons for $5 a month ontop of their normal broadband charge, OneCare is going to be the same, except it works alot better. We have the beta running at one site and it is working very well from them.

Sure you can build ontop of it, but my point was that I think it will seriously effect home user repairs because of the low fee associated with that.

Anyway, I suggest you check it out.

slumbersix

I really can't see this affecting the home computer technician... Basically its just another anti-virus/spyware program that technicians are going to need to learn about. People have McAfee, Norton, Avast, etc setup on their computers and they still have problems. I don't see anything different happening with this.