 |
 |
| ActiveWin | Anonymous | Create a User | Reviews | News | Forums | Advertise | VBA in Excel | Users Online: 0 |
|
|
|
|
|
User Controls |
|
New User |
|
Login |
|
Edit/View My Profile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active Network |
|
ActiveMac |
|
ActiveWin |
|
ActiveXbox |
|
DirectX |
|
Downloads |
|
FAQs |
|
Interviews |
|
MS Games & Hardware |
|
Reviews |
|
Rocky Bytes |
|
Support Center |
|
TopTechTips |
|
Windows 2000 |
|
Windows Me |
|
Windows Server 2003 |
|
Windows Vista |
|
Windows XP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News Centers |
|
Windows/Microsoft |
|
Apple/Mac |
|
Xbox/Xbox 360 |
|
News Search |
|
XML/RSS Newsfeeds |
|
Pocket PC Site |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ's |
|
Windows Vista |
|
Windows 98/98 SE |
|
Windows 2000 |
|
Windows Me |
|
Windows Server 2003 |
|
Windows XP |
|
Windows 7 |
|
Windows 8 |
|
Internet Explorer 6 |
|
Internet Explorer 5 |
|
Xbox 360 |
|
Xbox |
|
DirectX |
|
DVD's |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Latest Reviews |
|
Xbox/Games |
|
Fable 2 |
|
|
|
Applications |
|
Windows Server 2008 R2 |
|
Windows 7 |
|
Adobe CS5 Master Collection |
|
|
|
Hardware |
|
Microsoft Express Mouse |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Latest Interviews |
|
Mike Swanson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Site News/Info |
|
About This Site |
|
Advertise |
|
Affiliates |
|
Contact Us |
|
Default Home Page |
|
Link To Us |
 |
Microsoft feels pressure of anti-virus issue | |
|
||
| Time: 00:00 EST/05:00 GMT | News Source: Seattle PI | Posted By: Robert Stein | ||
|
With viruses proliferating and many personal computers going unprotected, Microsoft Corp. feels greater pressure to include anti-virus software with Windows -- but it's also wary of the potential antitrust implications, the company's top lawyer said Friday. "It is something we hear increasingly about," said Brad Smith, Microsoft general counsel. "I have to say, it is a real cause of concern for us that 70 percent of consumer PCs do not have current anti-virus protection." |
||
|
Read Only Comments Return to News |
Displaying Comments 1 through 7 of 7 |
This is an archived static copy of ActiveWin.com. |
| #1 By 531 (66.168.62.117) at Monday, April 26, 2004 08:34:19 AM |
|
That still wouldn't work. They may not be suggesting that a single product is better than any other, but they are certainly suggesting that "these" anti-virus programs are the best. Think of it this way - say Microsoft includes the top three anti-virus programs with Windows. You're gonna be pretty ticked if you're number four, aren't you? What if I write an anti-virus program and Microsoft doesn't include it? They're preventing me from entering an industry because they're helping my competitors crush me.
It's a delicate situation. I don't have any answers, so I'm not going to offer any other suggestions. That's the problem with a situation like this. Has there ever been a historical presedence in Antitrust law where a company was able to prove a clear, consice need to be able to do something that could be deemed anti-competitive so that they could protect their customers, and was allowed to do it on that basis? I'm guessing not, which is why - IMHO - antitrust law is crap. |
| #2 By 2960 (156.80.64.137) at Monday, April 26, 2004 09:43:15 AM |
|
AntiVirus isn't the issue. SPYWARE is the issue...
TL |
| #3 By 135 (209.180.28.6) at Monday, April 26, 2004 01:49:29 PM |
|
Screw it. antivirus is too important to worry about namby pamby competition arguments.
Everyone installs Norton, and get's a forced dat file upgrade daily. no excuses [this is what I will do when I am declared Emperor] |
| #4 By 22601 (66.185.84.72) at Monday, April 26, 2004 02:35:03 PM |
|
How about this crazy idea:
1. Microsoft upgrade Windows to check for viruses (and perhaps other malware). 2. When Windows finds a problem, it would (a) report that a virus was detected, but without removing it or naming the file affected, and (b) offer a link to a page listing antivirus software, with (c) Microsoft getting a commission for each product sold. In this way users are alerted when a virus is found, hence encouraged to buy antivirus software, but Microsoft does not push any particular product, and the commissions it receives would give Microsoft a financial incentive for adding and maintaining this feature. |
| #5 By 7754 (216.160.8.41) at Monday, April 26, 2004 05:26:04 PM |
| #5, that is a funny idea, but I kind of like it. However, the conspiracy theorists would LOVE this--they would try to convince us that Microsoft was the force behind every wave of viruses, because it means $$$ in their pocket. And I don't think most home users would be too keen on what would essentially feel like a fine for presumably doing something they had no idea would harm their computer. That would fuel the Linux desktop fires even further, and that is potentially one of Microsoft's biggest competitive threats. |
| #6 By 20505 (216.102.144.11) at Monday, April 26, 2004 08:42:19 PM |
| what if MS offered a discount coupon for any AV software with a purchase of any MS product? |
| #7 By 931 (65.81.133.95) at Tuesday, April 27, 2004 05:28:27 AM |
|
gee... here's a thought include a basic scanner in the os that ms can update as is see's the need, ie major outbreaks. If you want daily protection or live protection you purchase real AV software.
I mean they had this in dos 6x for while I dont see the big deal, and for the dumb ass consumer something is better then nothing. (at least usually) |
