Anti-virus from Microsoft?

Well finally Microsoft is going to release an anti-virus solution. Isn't it about time? Of course many people have long ago decided the correct anti-virus solution is to just not use Microsoft Windows products lik Outlook, Internet Explorer and Windows operating system itself. However many of us actually prefer to use Windows vs. the other operating systems, and recent Mac problems show its not just Windows with some eserious security issues.

Like many others I've relied on third party AV products which cost money, often more than the OS itself over a lifetime of subscription charges, and also have many problems themselves. So Microsoft finally decides to bring out an AV solution and it doesn't even bundle it. Well I think it should bundle regardless of the impact on other AV companies because I have to admit to finding the businesses that exist from providing AV solutions particularly loathesome. I'm not even above suspecting AV companies deliberately foster a environment of fear and maybe even encourage virus writing.

Yes, they are providing a useful service, but relying on them just encourages carelessness from Microsoft and users. Its kind of like the observation that people with seatbelts, airbags and anti-lock brakes actually start driving worse than those who don't. Hence some auto insurers have stopped giving a discount for such things, they are after all devices designed to save you after you f**ked up vs. before. As I've said elsewhere, probably the best safety device for driving would be for everyone to have a big metal spike in the center of their steering wheel and no seat belts.

A similar thing could be useful for home computers - if you get one virus your machine just disintegrates completely and you're never able to use a computer again. Ditto for engineers who introduce security flaws - off with those hands!