Microsoft has introduced a suite of Windows Live online services bundled into a single download in its latest effort to compete with Google's growing array of applications delivered over the web.

Microsoft released a test, or "beta," version of a free online software package available in a single download that includes versions of email, instant messaging, photo gallery, blogging software and a security program.

The suite of web services - available at http://get.live.com/wl/all -- will also automatically update with improvements or new versions of those applications.