Slashdot Mirror
MS Adds Security Suite To Update Service, Antivirus Rival Objects
CWmike writes "Microsoft has started adding Security Essentials to the optional download list seen by US Windows users when they fire up the operating system's update service, and antivirus rivals are crying foul. 'Commercializing Windows Update to distribute other software applications raises significant questions about unfair competition,' Carol Carpenter, a GM at Trend Micro, said on Thursday. 'Windows Update is a de facto extension of Windows, so to begin delivering software tied to updates has us concerned,' she added. 'Windows Update is not a choice for users, and we believe it should not be used this way.' If Windows doesn't detect working security software on the PC, Microsoft adds Security Essentials to the Optional section of Microsoft Update, a superset of the better-known Windows Update, or to Windows Update if it has been configured to also draw downloads from Microsoft Update. Microsoft made a point to say that it was not offering the software via Windows Update, but only through the Microsoft Update service, which also offers patches for new versions of non-operating system software, notably Office and Windows Media Player. But most users won't understand the distinction."
But most users won't understand the distinction.
Outside of some very specialized applications, that sentence could apply to almost any software.
Proud member of the Weirdo-American community.
1) Keep an icon in the system tray indicating that "You Are Protected"
2) Stay out of your way and use very few system resources.
I dunno.... seems like there's something missing from this specification.
'Commercializing Windows Update to distribute other software applications raises significant questions about unfair competition,' Carol Carpenter, a GM at Trend Micro, said on Thursday.
Don't worry, Carol; the majority of Windows users worldwide supposedly run pirated installs which means they aren't likely to be running Security Essentials anyway (much less able to keep it properly maintained with updated virus definitions). However, there's nothing preventing your company from selling subscriptions to software that can run (and be updated) on otherwise-illegitimate Windows installs... ;)
IIRC, in some ads MS ran a few years back, they touted Forefront as one of the only security solutions which offered guaranteed protection against zombies.
I still want a shotgun...
You have the right to remain sentient. If you give up the right to remain sentient, you will be elected to public office
I've seen Norton's recent offerings in person. They're still a dog. Sorry, Norton sucks. But what do I need to tell you, a goddamned shill.
The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
There are at least two things I can think of that suck worse than Microsoft.
Norton is one of them.