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The Microsoft PC health service has begun accepting applications for prospective beta testers.

While many of the initial beta testers will be selected by invitation, Microsoft has set up a process for people in the US only to nominate themselves to test the OneCare program.

Microsoft OneCare has been advertised as a comprehensive PC health service for individuals and small businesses. The integrated service provides many features for Windows users.

The service provides antivirus protection and automatically updates its signature files and engine as needed. The antivirus system also protects against spyware. A firewall locks down unneeded system ports from unauthorized access.

Also, OneCare can do system maintenance, like disk cleanup and defragmentation, and will attempt to repair corrupted files. And, OneCare will include a backup utility that users can choose to backup an entire system or just changed files to CD or DVD.

Microsoft believes a large market exists among individuals and small businesses who do not have the time or expertise to perform the various administrative tasks a PC or group of PCs require. That market would ideally view OneCare and its automated services and updating as a suitable substitute for a full-time administrator.

"Windows OneCare is the next major advance in our ongoing efforts to help keep consumers' Windows-based PCs 'healthy' in a way that's simple and as worry-free as possible for them," said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of the Technology Care and Safety Group at Microsoft.

"We're designing the service so it will continually update and evolve over time, helping to ensure that our customers will have the most complete and effective protection and safety services in place every time they turn on their PC."

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.