Windows OneCare Beta Goes Public!

Windows OneCare which has been since now, a closed beta has now become public and is available for everyone to download and test from the Windows Live "Ideas" Page!

Some of the main features of Windows OneCare are:

* Backup to external hard drives
* Scan files or folders with mouse right-click
* Automatic scans of files received via MSN Messenger
* Improvements to the Windows OneCare Help Center
* Automated assistance in uninstalling products that conflict with Windows OneCare
* Integration with Microsoft Update


Inside the Windows OneCare program there are links to send feedback and bugs to the dev team.

"In addition to functionality, many of you have been asking about service expiration and pricing. For now, we're continuing to improve the service and you can use it at no cost. When the final version of the service is ready to go, we’ll let you know by sharing the final pricing details and giving you the opportunity to be some of our first subscribers. Stay tuned."

Source: Windows OneCare Team Blog

Windows Live Mail Updates

The Mail Beta team has today rolled out the next set of updates for Windows Live Mail. This update is the 4th milestone (M4) and has added some great finishing touches to the overall feel of the system, including:

* Spell checking while you type (red squiggles under the bad words)
* Scrollable message and contact list (you can now see 50 messages)
* Reading pane can be turned off (because not everyone likes it in Web mail)
* Resizeable panes (if you want the folder/message list wider or narrower)
* Better support for other browsers (works better in Firefox, Opera, etc)
* Empty junk and deleted items folders (right click, and choose empty)

These are just the top changes, for a more detailed list and screenshots, check out the announcement from the team.