No Anti-Virus in Vista 444
truthsearch writes "Microsoft will omit anti-virus protection in Vista, the next version of Windows. Redmond is promoting Vista as a landmark improvement in Windows security. Yet Jim Allchin also told CRN in a recent interview that there will be no anti-virus software. For unspecified business (not technical) reasons, Microsoft will sell anti-virus protection to consumers through its OneCare online backup and security service."
Two possible reasons (Score:5, Interesting)
2) To be able to sell the service on a monthly fee basis.
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:3, Insightful)
The real question is however: How long until that thing bites them hard like the security problems they had with XP?
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Third possible reasons (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Third possible reasons (Score:5, Insightful)
It'll be interesting to watch... if there are periods during which their anti-virus defends against it, but patches don't, they'll be found to have acted in very bad faith.
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:5, Insightful)
Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:5, Insightful)
If they bundle virus protection (ie, "Make it part of the operating system"), they're accused of unfairly using their monopoly status. If they don't, then they're greedy for trying to sell you extra services.
Personally, I think it's good that they don't include it. If I decided I needed antivirus services--something that is generally in need of constant updates--I can shop around between Microsoft, Symantec, McAfee, etc. It also gives the hardware (eg Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.) and network (eg Time-Warner, Verizon, etc.) vendors the ability to provide this protection.
As long as Microsoft doesn't start strong-arming these other companies ("Nice Windows license you have--it'd be a shame if something happened to it."), I don't have a problem with it. But it definitely should give our anti-trust monitors something to keep an eye on...
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:3, Insightful)
They could implement a sane security model where file permissions disallow non administrative users from modifying executable code on disk, thus making 90% of what virus scanning programs do obsolete.
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:5, Informative)
The security model does that one already.
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:5, Interesting)
You certainly can't mean anything that is close to the default settings.
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:2)
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:2)
I think I'm the only person I know who actually bothered to set the administrator account on his XP Home box.
That said, you are correct regarding the privelege levels not being fully implemented into XP. They're barely implemented at all.
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:5, Informative)
The security model does that one already.
Ever administered a Windows system? It's as easy as setting a umask of 022 and using chmod where needed, isn't it? And no issues with file ownership, right? By the time you've set group policies, right-clicked your way through the file system and mucked about in the registry, do find time to tell us more about this security model.
Or are you suggesting that a Windows user needs a security expert to reconfigure the default installation on their new Dell box to make it properly configured?
Sorry, but the parent comment about a sane security model is perfectly valid. My guess is that it'll take a few more tries for Windows to reinvent itself and resolve the tortured directory system with the concept of a path and give up on inventing new models. Chances are it'll resemble Unix.
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:2)
If they bundle virus protection (ie, "Make it part of the operating system"), they're accused of unfairly using their monopoly status. If they don't, then they're greedy for trying to sell you extra services.
I see somebody already beat me to an option three, so how about option four:
Give it away as a free download.
If they were really concerned about AV protection for their users and really wanted to bundle it, but they just didn't want to get in legal or PR trouble for bundling it, then it seems the
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Damned if they do, Damned if they don't (Score:4, Funny)
J.
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Three possible reasons? (Score:2)
2) To be able to sell the service on a monthly fee basis.
3) Be like OS X and be secure enough not to need anti-virus software.
I'm not getting my hopes up though.
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:2, Funny)
More like the ol' bait and switch.
Step 1. "Buy Windows Vista! It's so much more secure, we didn't bother including a virus checker!"
Step 2. Dumb consumers purchase Vista. (Some aren't left a choice, poor saps.)
Step 3. "Having virus problems? Subscribe to Microsoft's monthly virus protection at the low, low rate of your first-born son!"
Step 4. Dumb consumers fork over more dough. (Some aren't left a choice, poor saps.)
Ste
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:2)
On a related note there are some antivirus solutions available for free if the computer is only used for personal matters. I've deployed it on various occasions and it works quite reliably. The only drawback is that there's no aut
Re:Two possible reasons (Score:2)
Religion is blind. (Score:5, Insightful)
But it's interesting to see how the pundits here spin things, we are hearing and reading about how this is just one more Microsoft trick to stick it to the consumer, but I would very safely bet that if a virus package had been included, we'd be hearing about unfair competition and anti-trust. Religion is blind.
Re:Religion is blind. (Score:5, Funny)
Sure (Score:5, Insightful)
It at least looks like competition.
Re:Sure (Score:2)
Re:Sure (Score:2)
Well, we all make mistakes. Seriously, do yourself a favour and get away from McAfee as soon as you possibly can. It's a terrible piece of software, letting through numerous viruses that our other software picks up. I'd recommend using Panda personally.
Re:Sure (Score:2)
So many people seem to think they need crap like Norton SystemWorks to be safe. I think they product name is an oxymoron. I cringe when I hear that people have that on their system - I *know* at that point they'll be having problems with their computer. Symantec's marketing has done a very good job.
Unspecified reasons? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Unspecified reasons? (Score:2)
What a noble and altruistic reason for not bundling! Unfortunately it's obvious that the reason they're not bundling virus protection is because viruses are one of the top marketing tools for the Windows industry. As the average networked computer gets slower over time the consumer believes it's only comparitively
Antitrust (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Antitrust (Score:2)
I don't have a big axe to grind with Microsoft. I use some of their products because the business reality is that I must if I want other people I work with to be able to use my files. Fine, I can live with that. What I'm having difficulty with is that one needs to spend money on anti-spyware and anti-virus software at a bare minimum if they want to have any hope of keeping their net-connected Windows
Re:Antitrust (Score:2)
Re:Antitrust (Score:2)
So OneCare = .Mac ? (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:So OneCare = .Mac ? (Score:2)
Actually, I believe Microsoft will be the first OS vendor to implement a
Anti-Trust Concerns? (Score:2, Insightful)
Way to spin it (Score:5, Insightful)
Way to put a spin on that one. However, let's not forget MS is getting it's butt chewed off for monopolistic behavior in a few countries ( not that they have any danger of that in their home country ). If they were to include an AV as part of the base OS, AV companies would be lining up to take shots at MS.
Re:Way to spin it (Score:3, Interesting)
Selling an cantivirus application as an add-on is the way to go, and it looks like that's what they're doing. I still expect to see the other big ant
This only makes sense (Score:2, Interesting)
EU reasons? (Score:5, Interesting)
Firewalls, media players and other stuff is generally included in distros and the other commercial desktop OS (MacOS X) now. AV isn't. Therefore, it could seem intrusive by MS to include it. (On the other hand, we are all quite aware why noone else NEEDS to bundle that.)
So? What's the big deal? (Score:5, Insightful)
BBH
Am I the only one... (Score:2)
I know that no OS is 100% secure, but if virii can find their way in on a regular basis...
Re:Am I the only one... (Score:2)
Windows Vista - Titanic Edition (Score:3, Funny)
- RG>
So let me get this straight... (Score:4, Insightful)
What, exactly are they upgrading??
You mean to tell me... (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:So let me get this straight... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:So let me get this straight... (Score:2, Funny)
What, exactly are they upgrading??
Vista: now with shinier and rounder icons.
New soundtrack (Score:2)
You should read /. more often, Vista will have a new soundtrack [slashdot.org] from Robert Fripp !!
Re:So let me get this straight... (Score:5, Informative)
Second, Vista has a number of big new features:
- Brand new networking stack that is 100% IPv6 internally
- New ACPI subsystem including a hybrid STR/STD support, faster suspend/resume, and a more robust mechanism for dealing with bad drivers
- New audio subsystem with per-application mixing
- UAP support (not running as admin all the time) with automatic privelage elevation (with user approval) for installers and other programs that need admin access
- Major memory manager tweaks
- Kernel tweaks to improve streaming performance
- New programming framework (WinFX) based on
- 3D accelerated UI / window manager
- New Media Center and Tablet PC features
- Fast User Switching on AD Domains
- Integrated AntiSpyware
- Integrated indexing / search (ala Spotlight) including extensive metadata and tagging support
- New Windows Media Player
- New version of IE with CSS fixes, phishing filter, tabbed browsing, native XMLHTTP, freform resize (ala Opera), and many security enhancements
- Support for auxiliry LCD displays (windows SideShow)
- New, faster install system (no more text-mode 'copying files')
- New Windows Installer version
- New printing system / PDF alternative (Metro)
So, in response to your question, basically everything.
Re:So let me get this straight... (Score:5, Insightful)
- Brand new networking stack that is 100% IPv6 internally
Might be useful, if people were using IPv6, or likely to do so any time soon.
- New audio subsystem with per-application mixing
Applications could do this today, but most just set the system mixers.
- UAP support (not running as admin all the time) with automatic privelage elevation (with user approval) for installers and other programs that need admin access
Could be nice, but users will just get used to typing in the password, so offers no real security. Doesn't fix all the broken apps out there that depend on improper permissions. Not useful in a corporate setting, and not used in a home setting.
- Major memory manager tweaks
This is an update, not a new feature
- Kernel tweaks to improve streaming performance
This is an update, not a new feature
- New programming framework (WinFX) based on
Whee, *another* new framework. It will also be available on WinXP.
- 3D accelerated UI / window manager
Resource wasting
- New Media Center and Tablet PC features
Useless to a majority of users
- Fast User Switching on AD Domains
Useless to a majority of users
- Integrated indexing / search (ala Spotlight) including extensive metadata and tagging support
Available today, will be backported to WinXP
- New Windows Media Player
This does not need to be locked to the OS revision.
- New version of IE with CSS fixes, phishing filter, tabbed browsing, native XMLHTTP, freform resize (ala Opera), and many security enhancements
This does not need to be locked to the OS revision.
- Support for auxiliry LCD displays (windows SideShow)
Whee.
- New, faster install system (no more text-mode 'copying files')
Again, whee.
- New Windows Installer version
Will be available on other revisions of Windows
- New printing system / PDF alternative (Metro)
Whee some more.
Re:So let me get this straight... (Score:3, Insightful)
You're right that I don't care about a lot of the features. As an occasional
And at Ford... (Score:5, Funny)
I know we hate M$ here... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:I know we hate M$ here... (Score:2, Insightful)
Not when the company that rightly disgusts us is a convicted monopolist. Convicted of abusing the monopoly by bundling software.
Furthermore, any notion of "cannot ship their own anti-virus solution" being ridiculous is far outweighed by the ridiculousness of shipping a product that needs it so badly out of the box.
Re:I know we hate M$ here... (Score:3, Insightful)
It would be like parachute makers/packers offering body padding in case their parachutes malfunction. Yeah, maybe it'd work (), but it displays a distinct lack of confidence and effort with regards to the quality and reliability of their product.
Vista won't work (Score:2, Interesting)
Vista will sell, sure, but only because it'll come with every new PC. But I can't believe Joe User running XP will spend the money to upgrade to a new version of windows for "security" purposes. Not a chance.
Now, Joe Pointy-Haired-Boss may want to upgrade -- but his network admin will probably insist on sticking with the Win2k/ActiveDirectory system that is "good enough" right now.
Botto
Re:Vista won't work (Score:2)
Vista won't be a flop any more than XP was (Score:2)
It will still suck though.
Re:Vista won't work (Score:2)
From Microsoft's point of view, a worryingly number still haven't. Which is why updates are still appearing regularly for 2000 -- leaving big customers vulnerable is admitting to the elephant in the room; having produced an insecure product in the first place.
security != virus protection (Score:5, Insightful)
Hold on bucko! (Score:5, Funny)
You're just yelling slower and louder to someone who already has no idea what you're truly trying to say...
Keep it up, Microsoft! (Score:2)
I have yet to read or see anything to make me want to jump ship to Vista when it comes out.
Re:Keep it up, Microsoft! (Score:2)
Redundancy and Anti-Monopoly? (Score:2, Insightful)
Microsoft claim that Vista is so secure, wouldn't it seem redundant to include an antivirus? You know, just like people (some of them, no one on
And beside, wouldn't they expose themselve to Anti-Monopoly law if they were to include an antivirus?
(not
Re:Redundancy and Anti-Monopoly? (Score:2)
A flawed analogy. With the prevelence of networking in computing today, not having anti-virus is more like the manufacturer not including brakes on the car. Sure, you don't need them to drive in a wide-open dry lake bed, but if you plan on doing any driving on other roads with other cars they m
No Antivirus (Score:5, Funny)
So, what does that leave in VISTA?!?! (Score:2)
Been running without protection for 10 years now (Score:2)
and I've never once contracted a disease. I find that they spoil the experience too much.
Charge for the cow... and for the milk. (Score:5, Insightful)
I know viruses/adware/spyware will still be able to be installed, but why not make it just a little bit harder. Hell, if a burglar wants to get in my house, he can kick the door in... that doesn't stop me from locking and bolting the door every night just to make it a little more inconvenient for Johnny Break-in to steal my stuff.
Re:Charge for the cow... and for the milk. (Score:2)
This Roffles My Waffles. (Score:3, Insightful)
I don't think I'm going to be switching to Vista any time soon, that's for fucking sure.
Re:This Roffles My Waffles. (Score:2)
You're not getting any anti-virus software in Vista from MS. You didn't get any anti-virus software from MS in XP. So, what's the difference? If you're using free Avast (or whatever) AV for XP, you can use it with Vista (after an update probably).
Too close terms (Score:2)
At this rate.... (Score:2)
I wonder if their anti-virus software will come with anti-virus software?
Right decision (Score:2)
Re:Right decision (Score:2)
This would indicate a complete reversal of all previouse design decisions. Pardon me if I have trouble believing it. They never cared before why would they care now.
Not that it's a bad thing if they did this. It's just historically they've demonstrated that architecture design plays less of a part in these decisions than market
Ya sure... (Score:2)
We promise that we won't object to you bundling your anti-virus software with Vista, go ahead and launch it. ***fingers crossed***
We will however have a problem with it when you have
What's the difference? (Score:2)
Good news (Score:5, Insightful)
I'm a big fan of maintaining a dividing line between operating system and applications. As far as I'm concerned, Microsoft should be free to bundle their apps with their OS, but those apps shouldn't be integrated with the OS in such a way that they can't be easily removed (and replaced by competing products). That principle should apply to media players, mail clients, web browsers, anti-spyware and anti-virus tools. I would love to see Microsoft ship Microsoft-brand anti-spyware and anti-virus tools with Vista. I would hate to see them be as tightly integrated with the operating system as Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player currently are.
Re:Good news (Score:2)
But I am not sure they should even be selling any. I mean, the goal of windows should be to be resistant from viruses by itself without needing any additional protection. When they start selling antivirus software they will obviously have a conflict of interst... making vista secure from the ground up would greatly decrease the need for virus protection and therefore cut off an MS stream of revenue.
MS would make a much stron
This Just In... (Score:5, Funny)
Probably for the best... (Score:5, Insightful)
o A diverse population of AV is better for stopping virus epidemics
o MS need to concentrate on securing the OS itself and not rely on AV to cure the cold
o Some AV vendors manage to write exploitable AV and MS could too
It's probably for the best for MS if they do not include their own AV for a few reasons:
o Bundling & Anti-Trust
o Selling AV subscriptions
So this news is only really negative for Viruses.
Great (Score:4, Interesting)
Like paying extra to fix leaks in brand new roof (Score:3, Insightful)
This is taking the piss (Score:5, Interesting)
Does Ford explicitly charge you for brakes? (Score:4, Interesting)
This is like car companies charging you for brakes or airlines charging a premium for not crashing.
Introducing SpoonCare! (Score:3, Funny)
Re:unspecified business reasons eh... (Score:2)
Re:So first virus in? (Score:5, Informative)
Re:So first virus in? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:So first virus in? (Score:3, Funny)
Sheesh
AFTER Launch (Score:2)
Re:So first virus in? (Score:5, Insightful)
They hopefully told their designers: "Throw Blaster, and Melissa, and Norvag at this new system, and if it dies or allows itself to be infected, FIX IT!"
"Anything related to fix compression/decompression, image file interpretation, or anything that opens a port, must be reviewed against all known viruses attacking those vectors."
Will they, or have they done that? No, but we'll see.
Re:So first virus in? (Score:2)
That's a leading question. I think it more likely it'll happen before the official launch.
There has already been a patch [slashdot.org].
Re:What about obesity viruses? (Score:2)