To address the growing need for a PC security solution tailored to the demands of emerging markets, smaller PC form factors and rapid increases in the incidence of malware, Microsoft Corp. plans to offer a new consumer security offering focused on core anti-malware protection.
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Member since:2005-07-05
I'm usually against Microsoft bundling crap with their OS because it is always designed to conquer that particular market; be it browsers, video players, whatever.
In this case, however, I think Microsoft should bundle security software. I think it is immoral to charge the prices they do for their OS and then expect somebody to fork out yet another $40 bucks to protect against security problems.
Unfortunately, I'm sure the companies like Symantec, who have made their fortunes fixing Microsoft's problems, won't be too keen on the idea.
Member since:2006-12-27
Member since:2006-10-31
Member since:2007-03-04
Yes, it's a good move. Other companies are already offering free AV, so there's no unfair competition here. Those who want a paid AV can disable the native AV and use their own just fine. I hope this new MS AV updates automatically and daily for both legtimate and pirated copies of Windows because otherwise this isn't going to put a dent into botnet's installations. Remember that between 85 and 90% of spam is sent from a network of remotely controlled computers infected by malware around the world. It should take a few more years until everybody uses an updated antivirus.
Member since:2005-07-08
Member since:
2005-12-15
I for one believe this protection should be cheaper and if Microsoft wants to offer it for free which in turn drives down the prices of competing products then that's great for consumers.
I'd expect all the Microsoft haters out there to cry foul but in the end Microsoft has provided a platform which like it or not has a massive surface area for attack and they should be protecting their customers for free.
Of coarse it'd be better if the problems didn't exist in the first place and I believe they're addressing this even if it is not as fast as we'd prefer, but for the interim a free product from them to help protect us is a great idea.
Thumbs up, Microsoft.