Microsoft is announcing another change.  Live FolderShare will become Live Sync next month.  So, if you’re using FolderShare, or plan to, you’ll need to be aware of this change.

Dear FolderShare user,

We're contacting you to let you know what's next for FolderShare, and to make you aware of some important changes.

In December, we plan to announce a product called Windows Live Sync. You can think of it as FolderShare 2.0. It's going to look familiar and offer the same great features, plus:

• More folders and files—sync up to 20 folders with 20,000 files each.
• Integration with Windows Live ID—no more extra sign-in stuff to remember.
• Integration with the Recycle Bin—no more separate Trash folder to fiddle with.
• Unicode support—sync files in other languages.

A huge part of Sync's success story depends on FolderShare users like you. When Sync releases, FolderShare goes into retirement. That means your FolderShare software will stop working and will ask you to upgrade to Sync. Once you do, Sync will automatically rebuild your personal folders. We expect a lot of new users when Sync is released, so if you can't sign in right away, please give it a little time.

Here's the part you need to pay attention to: Sync will not be able to rebuild your shared libraries. If you have a lot of shared libraries, you should hop over to the FolderShare website while it's still available and copy all that information. You'll need it to rebuild your shared libraries in Sync.

Thanks for being a FolderShare user! We're excited about delivering an even better file-synchronization experience to customers like you. We hope you'll come along as we move forward with Windows Live Sync.

Sincerely,

The Windows Live Sync (formerly FolderShare) team

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If you're currently using -- or plan to use -- Windows Live OneCare as your computing security software, you need to read the Microsoft update below.  In June of 2009 Microsoft is planning to phase out Live OneCare and will offer a FREE package in its place.  I'm sure more information will be coming as we get closer to June 2009.

I'll admit, I'm a little disappointed that Microsoft is taking this step.  Live OneCare has worked well for me.

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Consumer Security Strategy Update

OneCare subscribers currently enjoy the benefits of always-on virus, spyware and malware protection, centralized backup to keep personal information safe, and management features to keep PC’s optimized and running smoothly. But a majority of consumers around the world do not have up-to-date antivirus, antispyware and antimalware protection.

In hopes of getting more consumers protected, this week, Microsoft announced that it will offer a new security solution to consumers at no cost beginning in the second half of calendar year 2009. This new offering will focus on getting the majority of consumers the essential protection they need by providing comprehensive, real-time anti-malware protection, covering such threats as viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, and other emerging threats, in a single, focused solution.

In order for us to focus on delivering this new security solution to millions of customers around the world, we have decided to phase out Windows Live OneCare and will discontinue retail sales of Windows Live OneCare subscription service beginning June 30, 2009.

If you are a current OneCare subscriber, there is no action that you need to take at this time.

OneCare will continue to be available online at http://onecare.live.com to new and renewing subscribers at least until the new solution is available, for use on Windows XP and Windows Vista PCs. And Microsoft has committed to making sure you are protected for the life of your subscription. We'll provide more information and details as we get closer to June and the availability of the new solution. But again, there is no action that you need to take at this time.

Ultimately, we believe the decision to offer a security solution at no additional cost to consumers and phase out Windows Live OneCare is the right step to broaden PC protection and improve the Windows experience for more users around the world. Microsoft will continue to deliver on its commitment to provide consumers around the world with a world-class security solution.

We anticipate you may have some questions about these changes and so we have addressed some of the commonly asked questions below.

Q: Will I continue to receive up-to-date virus signatures through the end of my paid subscription?

A: Yes! Microsoft will ensure all current customers remain protected through the life of their subscriptions.

Q: Will my subscription automatically be converted to the new no-cost offering?

A: You will be given the opportunity to opt in to using our new offering when the new solution is available.

Q: What do you recommend if my OneCare subscription ends before the free solution is available?

A: Having current anti-virus and anti-spyware protection is important. You can renew your Windows Live OneCare subscription until the new solution is available. We will ensure you remain protected through the life of your subscriptions.

Q: What do you recommend I do at the end of my OneCare subscription if I am running Windows XP?

A: You can renew your OneCare subscription until the new solution is available. After that, you can choose our new offering for core antimalware protection. A variety of third-party consumer security offerings are also available.

Q: Will the new solution be available in my country?

A: At a minimum, the new solution will initially be available to consumers in all markets where Windows Live OneCare is currently available.

Q. Will I still be able to store my photos with OneCare online backup?
a. Yes. If you are current online backup subscriber, you can continue to back up copies of your photos using the Online Backup feature.

Should you still have additional questions about this announcement, please visit the OneCare help center for free online support.