Comments on: Microsoft shakes up security fray

Debut of company's OneCare product has started a new security software race where consumers are likely to be winners.
Chart: Comparing PC care packages

[technewsjunkie]

Consumers are SHORT TERM beneficiaries!

I find the headline "OneCare has kicked off a software race--and consumers are the likely winners." misleading and sympathetic to Microsoft.

Has the result of the Browser wars been good for consumers(?!) - the vast majority use IE! And MS has let it languish until it was FORCED, by COMPETITION to update it!!

Wake up!

[treet007]

Expect Apple Computer to have this service too...

I expect Apple Computer to have a similar service for Macs and their other product line. It is not just for OS patches, but also on-line backups and enterprise server security support.

--GIF

[Mister Winky]

Exactly

It's not just about patching holes.

This service is a good way for Apple and Microsoft to continue their revenue streams after the computer has been purchased (something all software vendors are scrambling to make happen to please Wall St. on a quarterly basis).

It's also good way to improve customer satisfaction by providing a useful service and to reduce support calls by empowering users to do more advanced tasks with an user-friendly interface.

If managed well, there's really no downside.

-Mister Winky

[Macsaresafer]

Apple DOES have it...

It's called Software Update, and it's free. That takes care of
security. Backups are another matter and Microsoft only
includes it as part of their security suite so they can muddy the
waters. "It's not just about security" the PC fanboys say, but
shouldn't a security suite be just about security?

If they wanted to help people backup their systems, they should
include the software with the OS or sell it separately. Similarly, if
they wanted to make Windows more secure, they should include
the software with the system. Selling it separately should be (is?)
a crime. It's a protection racket, pure and simple.