Greg Whynott writes:
i found it funny how M$ started giving away virus/security software for its OS. it can't fix the leaky roof, so it includes a roof patch kit. (and puts about 10 companies out of business at the same time)
I actually like the new arrangement better, where Microsoft provides the security software to its OS customers "for free". The previous setup had third parties (anti-virus vendors) profiting from the weaknesses in Microsoft's software. The new arrangement provides better incentives for fixing the security weaknesses at the source, at least as far as Microsoft is concerned. Even for third-party providers of buggy software, Microsoft probably better leverage towards them than the numerous anti-virus vendors. But then maybe my armchair economics are totally wrong. -- Simon.