Microsoft's Live OneCare fails anti-virus test

The examination tested 17 anti-virus programs to see which tackled viruses, macros, worms, Trojans and other malware the best.

Live OneCare only detected 82.4 per cent of the 500,000 viruses and received the worst score out of all the products, according to AV Comparatives, which conducted the study.

The Austria-based independent group rated 14 of the products advanced, two standard and Live OneCare the only failure. The analysts carry out quarterly tests on the major anti-virus products to determine which offers the best protection against online threats.

“We are looking closely at the methodology and results of the test to ensure that Windows Live OneCare performs better in future tests,” said a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement.

“Microsoft is trying to determine whether any learnings from theses tests can be used to improve our services, to ensure the highest level of protection that we can provide our customers,” they added.

Microsoft launched Live OneCare in January, to coincide with the release of its new operating system Vista. The company’s flagship security suite offers antivirus, system optimisation and back-up software.

Last month, the product failed a test conducted by security magazine Virus Bulletin, after unsuccessfully detecting any malicious programs.

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