PC Security firms under threat from Microsoft

[Steve]

Are the likes of McAfee about to be landed in serious trouble, as Microsoft gears up to launch its new "OneCare" security package for home PC users? McAfee reckon they can compete with Microsoft, but how will they get by?

McAfee is moving security beyond the PC. There are new, growing opportunities with emerging threat environments such as the growth of home Wi-Fi home networks, mobile phones and PC To Go devices through the U3 platform," the company said. "Our long term goal is to ensure that our customers are protected whenever they are connected to a network."

[ZD Net]

Would you buy 3rd party if Microsoft's home security package does the job well enough?

[Splash]

From bitter experience in the past I'll continue to pay a security company for my security. I appreciate what Microsoft is trying to do, but I just don't trust them enough when it comes to my network security.

That said, if it's going to be free (other than the whole monopolies thing if it's to be built into the OS) it can only be a good thing for people who don't bother with things like AV/Firewalls etc. Too many people are happy to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to stuff like this - they see it as the PC manufacturers' duty to protect them forever. And yes, I am mostly talking about people who buy from PC World and AOL users...

Also I tried the OneCare beta and it ran like a quadraplegic dog. It was worse than Norton was the last time I bothered to install that!

[[GSV]Trig]

As long as it does the job and isnt as bloaty as these old AV companies efforts then I'm all for it.

[Jonny M]

Why are Microsoft so keen to do the software equivalent of hacking my leg off and then offering me some bandages and medical attention (for a price), when really they shouldn't be hacking away at my limbs in the first place?

[autopilot]

So basically Microsoft are charging for software to fix the holes in the thier own OS, which they have already charged us for and should be responsible for maintaining the security with anyway? They can get bent if you ask me! I guess the current AV companies success depends how much MS plan to charge and if people would prefer non-Microsoft product, which personally i would.

Has Microsoft's anti-spyware program killed off the third party anti-spyware application makers?

[herulach]

So basically Microsoft are charging for software to fix the holes in the thier own OS, which they have already charged us for and should be responsible for maintaining the security with anyway? I guess the current AV's sucess depends if MS plan to charge and if people would prefer non-Microsoft product, which personally i would.

Has Microsoft's anti-spyware program killed off the third party aplication makers?

Not all viruses propogate through windows security flaws, and for the ones that do a patch is usually released, now im the first to say windows is a holey pile of crap as far as security goes, but saying all viruses are microsofts fault is going a wee bit far.

[autopilot]

but saying all viruses are microsofts fault is going a wee bit far.

Who said all Viri were Microsofts fault?

All i am saying is, if a virus prays on a hole in Windows should microsoft concentrate on fixing the hole quickly - or take ages while in the meantime put resources in producing an antivirus program and then charge us for it? Put seem to forget that Microsoft dont give a monkeys bum about anything but profit. I would much rather leave the current AV firm to do thier work and let microsoft get on with making windows more secure in the first place.

[Lee H]

I've played with a variety of software packages trying to find the 1 that meets my requirements and offers great detection while not hogging all the systems resources. If the microsoft one is just that and is easy to update, does not need learning 1000's of rules etc then I can see it being quite popular with the market.

[herulach]

Who said all Viri were Microsofts fault?

All i am saying is, if a virus prays on a hole in Windows should microsoft concentrate on fixing the hole quickly - or take ages while in the meantime put resources in producing an antivirus program and then charge us for it? Put seem to forget that Microsoft dont give a monkeys bum about anything but profit. I would much rather leave the current AV firm to do thier work and let microsoft get on with making windows more secure in the first place.

I somehow doubt the av package will only cover viruses that exploit holes in windows, my comment was in relation to:

So basically Microsoft are charging for software to fix the holes in the thier own OS

[Bull Dog]

I'll continue using my VG Antivirus Free editon and the Free Zone Alarm firewall. For spyware I mainly just use Spybot S&D, but I dn'tget spyware anyhow so its not like I really need something more powerful. Oh and I love Spybot S&D's Teatimer program.

[Bull Dog]

oops