The Microsoft Protection Racket

bonch writes "Dvorak writes about the 'Microsoft protection racket' in his latest column--'charging real money for any sort of add-on, service, or new product that protects clients against flaws in its own operating system.' Dvorak argues that someone took a look at the expense of Microsoft's monthly 'Patch Tuesday' and decided to find a way to make money from it instead of fix the code (e.g., abandoning the use of the registry)." I enjoy salt with my Dvorak, but that's just me.

I enjoy calling Dvorak a blohward with my Dvorak

[Anonymous Coward]

But that's just me.

Oh noes, Dvorak!

[rob_squared]

I love your keyboards, but I trust a drunk man's predictions of the tech market more than I do yours.

And yes, I know he isn't the same as the keyboard guy.

That's a nice enterprise network you have there...

[tenzig_112]

It'd be a real shame if something happened to it. [ridiculopathy.com]
from the article:

REDMOND, WA- For years Windows users have lived under a blanket of fear, constantly checking their computers for malicious programs that take advantage of critical security flaws in the operating system lest they lose their hardware, their data, or even their identities. Thankfully those days might soon be over thanks to a new subscription service aimed at cleaning up Microsoft's mess. Even better, this new utility comes from the most trusted name in computing: Microsoft.

In truth, anti-spyware and anti-virus programs flood the market already, but they all share a common flaw: they're free. With freeware it is difficult, if not impossible, for consumers to know if it's really working. Experts say it takes a financial sting to make the software's real value apparent. While it would certainly be innovative for Microsoft to charge for the freely available service, the forward-thinking software company is not content to stop there. They plan to ask customers to pay for these features every year.

I can see it now....

[8127972]

"Nice server room you got there.... It would be a shame if something happened to it."

Funny ending

[jimbobborg]

Vista - Won't Boot Edition... $29.95
        Vista - Preloaded with Viruses and Spyware Edition... $39.95
        Vista - Initially Clean but Use at Your Own Risk Edition... $49.95
        Vista - Clean with Firewall and Weekly Protection Update Edition... $200

From TFA.

Re:A Little Creative thinking maybe....?!?!

[bradkittenbrink]

Also why is this retard writing about Security??

He's not writing about security, he's writing about Microsoft security. He's obviously fully qualified.

Re:Amen, brother

[DetrimentalFiend]

Is this the first time? It can't be more than the second or third.

Re:Pfft.

[Gulthek]

Your superficial arugment has convinced me of something alright.

LOL

[sheldon]

There's nothing wrong with the registry that a little knowledge wouldn't fix.

Re:I enjoy calling Dvorak a blohward with my Dvora

[Moofie]

"I enjoy calling Dvorak a blohward with my Dvorak"

I think you need more practice.

Re:Pfft.

[Kombat]

You say that in UNIX is not multiuser? And UNIX is using INI-like-files for something like 30 years and it just works...

I'm sorry, but did you just use the words "UNIX" and "it just works" in the same sentence? With a straight face?

Thank you Bill May I have another!?

[pgnas]

"Does Microsoft think it is going to get away with charging real money for any sort of add-on service, or new product that protects clients against flaws in its own operating system?"

I encourage this type of arrogance on the part of Microsoft, I would suspect that they would find themselves tied up in another legal battle. In addition, this may be exactly the type of thing that Linux needs.

"Exactly how anything manages to worm in through the open port and place items in the Registry is beyond me.."

This is one of those "features" brought about by the "tight integration" that Microsoft oh-so likes to spout off, the same goes for their "feature rich", "Tightly Integrated" Office Suite!

[regarding the Registry]"Why does Microsoft insist on continuing its use? There has to be a better way."

Another "tightly integrated" feature of the Windows OS, Surely there is a way, maybe when they receive the money for the patch management services, they will fix the problems with the registry.

I really don't know why Microsoft is even worried about it, Isn't it the Coders Fault anyway? [slashdot.org]

"Why doesn't the company just bite the bullet and bring out various exploitable versions?"

Vista - Wont't Install (BSOD) Edition
Vista - Phisermans Dream Editition (Code Named CHUM)
Vista - Cleaned and Optimized (Linux , Gnome w/Vista Skin)

Re:Conflict of interest

[olddotter]

this service a backstop for users who violate basic common sense. Violate basic common sense by doing what? Running windows?

How to solve the "conflict of interest"

[no_pets]

1. Break up the company.
2. One division for OS (MicroSoft), one division for "security" (MicroHardened)
3. ????
4. PROFIT!

Re:Pfft.

[Speare]

I've had the same damn .pinerc file for four years now.

Son, I got a .emacs file that's older than you and most of your friends.

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:Oh noes, Dvorak!

[cranesan]

Did you know the Dvorak that wrote that article isn't the same as the keyboard guy?

Re:Pfft.

[Anonymous Coward]

As someone who write code and manipulates the registry everday, I for one love it.

As someone who writes so much, perhaps you should familiarize yourself with proper use of the english language.

Crawl back into your cubby, cubicle boy.

Re:The Registry is a single point of failure.

[JustASlashDotGuy]

You've never installed more than one version of certain "enterprise database software", then.

Well.. there's your problem. You shouldn't be using 'enterprise database software'. You should be doing everything in flat text files! ;)

Re:I enjoy calling Dvorak a blohward with my Dvora

[cloudmaster]

blohward, n: 1; An archaic term used to describe one who frequenly wonders how a hole in the ground ended up in the middle of his ass. 2; The lead ship in John Austin's legendary journey around Hudson Bay, wherin a realiable process for the vulcanization of rubber was discovered.

He was probably using definition 1.

Re:I enjoy calling Dvorak a blohward with my Dvora

[Moofie]

"realiable"

You've got the same kind of keyboard, huh?