My Opinion Vista Addons and Applications Discuss My Opinion in the Windows Vista forums; It seems like everywhere you go on the Internet, you’ll find information about Symantec and MacAfee complaining about Microsoft not providing them with the source-code needed to develop ...

[felix8406]

It seems like everywhere you go on the Internet, you’ll find information about Symantec and MacAfee complaining about Microsoft not providing them with the source-code needed to develop their program…or something similar. It’s not my intention to take sides, but I can’t help but wonder what those companies have done for Microsoft. When Win XP was attacked by hackers, malware and viruses, I don’t remember Symantec or MacAfee getting down to business to fix the problems or accepting some of the blame. After all, aren’t those programs supposed to be designed to stop those attacks?
I have to applaud Microsoft for trying to develop their own tools to protect their investment. They listen to the people, took responsibility for the shortcomings and are doing something about it. I don’t know enough about virus development companies, but it seems to me that they are dependent on hackers and malware developers. After all, if there are no viruses, why install a virus protection application? I wonder how many of those companies supplied hackers and others with Win XP source code, so they could rip the benefit!
I want a secured operating system; one that can protect my investment. If Microsoft decides not to share the codes, so be it. It’s their product; they paid their developers and programmers…why should they share their information so others can take advantage and rip the benefits?
If the court forces Microsoft to provide its source-code, then it should force the Coca Cola Company to divulge its secret formula so other companies can copy it and rip the benefits.
That’s my opinion…what’s yours?

[Znod]

I think your logic is good. Let's see what others say. I can blow with the wind. I used to do so all the time when reading back and forth legal arguments. Both sides can be pretty convincing.

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Znod

I think your logic is good. Let's see what others say. I can blow with the wind. I used to do so all the time when reading back and forth legal arguments. Both sides can be pretty convincing.

You are so right when you said that "Both side can be pretty convincing". That's why I like to mention that it's just my opinion. But one has to be open-minded and consider other arguments. It'll be nice to listen to other opinions.

[crabby]

The whole farore of excitement over vista's compatability with AV is down to the fact that they have effectively 'closed off' a part of their kernel. It allows AV programs to do some major parts of their job (boot scanning etc), BUT it also used by many viruses as a route of entry.

My opinion... microsoft have done the right thing! It is a move that helps everyone by NATIVELY stopping many viruses from being able to effect your PC. Boohoo to the AV companies, maybe theyve realised the tenuos nature of their trade?

crabby

[Galt]

It's long overdue, and having spent time years ago beta testing both Norton's and McAfee they done nothing but ride on the coattails of MS's problems with hackers and turning reasonably quick systems into night crawlers.

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Galt

It's long overdue, and having spent time years ago beta testing both Norton's and McAfee they done nothing but ride on the coattails of MS's problems with hackers and turning reasonably quick systems into night crawlers.

Amen or Awomen to that.

[Davehc]

This argument can be extended to burning programs. On my own, possibly naive, observation, if three known burning programs can, and have been, used throughout the Beta series, what is really the problem with the remainder (nero.Etc.) I have often felt that Microsoft have been the victims of unwarranted criticism. As a Microsoft supporter, it is refreshing to find, in this thread, a few more positive comments towards a company who have, over the years, given so much to the computer world.

[felix8406]

Just like Znod mentioned, everyone has an opinion and believe to have good reasons for their arguments, but some of this companies go for win-lose situation, instead of win-win. Not that Microsoft is not guilty in some respect; after all, it basically killed Netscape, WordPerfect, RealPlayer, and other applications. However, almost singlehandedly, they changed technology in a very dramatic fashion, for the better. That European countries are putting restrictions on Vista, is not a big deal, at least to me; every country has the right to decide what will or will not sell in their turf. But I disagree when our own country imposed restrictions on an American corporation because other companies complaint they are having a hard time competing. Should MS build an inferior product to ensure other companies stay afloat? The answer is obvious. Most security software builders did not take an active roll to protect Win XP, but instead took advantage of the situation…selling inferior products at elevated prices. Again, that’s my opinion.

[Galt]

Originally Posted by felix8406

Not that Microsoft is not guilty in some respect; after all, it basically killed Netscape, WordPerfect, RealPlayer, and other applications. However, almost singlehandedly, they changed technology in a very dramatic fashion, for the better. Again, that’s my opinion.

I've had a Love/hate relationship with MS since DOS, and running it on an 8088, just as I did with my Commodore 64. Gate's idea was to bring an OS capable of running on limited hardware and bring it to the masses, much the way Ford did with the Model T.

He opened the door, and software programmers jumped on the bandwagon, and started writing apps for MS to work with the OS, as did Netscape, Word Perfect, and Real player that you mention and hundreds of others. Each of those major apps are still here, and the browser wars between IE and Netscape not withstanding MS simple was the better competitor and marketer.

What happened to Netscape and some of the others, was exactly what happened to C-64, NO SUPPORT from management.

While I don't agree with Gate's philanthropic attitude, since he's doing nothing more than apologizing for his ability and wealth, and most of all his role-over with the Antitrust (that should never have existed in this country) he and many others like him, created a world of communication unlike any in history. The world of "ideas exchange" for the worst to the best of humanity, even if some get it second hand, they get it.

[dazzlin]

My opinion: Microsoft should be able to do whatever they stinking want with their own product. And if someone doesn't like it, they can choose to use another OS. There ARE options - and some are even free. It's not the old days when Windows was the only viable option. I applaud Microsoft for doing what they've done.