Antivirus software must be free. Here's why

[bigc73542]

Link to story: http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/AnchorDesk/4520-7297_16-5123825.html

-{ Quote: "Antivirus software must be free. Here's why

Robert Vamosi
Senior Editor, Reviews
Monday, Mar. 1, 2004

Within the last ten days or so, four new viruses and worms appeared on the Net: MyDoom.f, Netsky.b, Netsky.c, and Bagle.c. All received a rating of 6 on the CNET/ZDNet Virus Meter--meaning we consider them all moderate threats.

I WONDER WHY, in 2004, we are still fighting mass-mailing viruses and worms like these. Given that viruses have been around for more than twenty years now, and that the antivirus companies have made tremendous progress in stopping this sort of threat, we should all be protected from new outbreaks. But millions of PCs worldwide still do not have basic antivirus protection, and thus are susceptible to infection

One reason I think so many PCs are undefended is because antivirus apps keep getting more expensive. That's why I offer a challenge to the major antivirus companies: I'd like to see one of you offer a free version of your best-selling antivirus product for desktop PCs. You'll still make your profits, and...

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[JimIT]

Why not put some responsibility on the end user??

How many PC's are sold these days without at least a trial version of Norton, McAfee, or PCC?? Close to 100%, I'd wager.

Usually there is a discount for registering it, as well. There was with PC-cillin--which came with my computer. $14.95 to register.

The reason most people don't use an antivirus is because it doesn't "do" anything. "Why spend my hard-earned dollar on this when I can buy DOOM3 instead??"

I've got an idea: Let the writer of this article program an AV, put it out for free, and spend a year creating pattern files, and updating it. If he feels after a year that he enjoys doing this for free, THEN he can suggest to the "big 3" that they do the same.

Give me a break. ::)

[bigc73542]

I hope he doesn't hold his breath waiting for one of the av companies to call. ;)

[nameless]

What, the author couldn't think of anything meaningful to write about?

Cost of anti-virus products isn't the problem. Users who run everything that comes their way are the problem. The design of email products and networks is the problem (disable all attachments; problem solved).

[bigc73542]

Unfortunatly there are a multitude of problems out on the internet and free antivirus might help. But there is already free antivirus avaliable and that has not solved the problem. The answer would be to enlighten the average computer owner to the hazards they are exposed to every time they connect to the internet. And how to protect them selves from them. The problem with this stratagy is that even informing the masses doesn't work well because a high number of users revert right back to there old ways. What is needed is a way to get the average user to implement the security stratagy they have been informed of. Until we can get them to secure there own computer no amount of free software is going to do the trick.

[F4]

Maybe independent testing organizations such as Virus Bulletin makes a misconception to average-end users if some AVs ( especially the free ones ) fail on Virus Bulletin test they so fail to detect a virus, fail to protect users.

How many average-end users who knows a real reasons why some AVs fail or pass on that testing?
How many average-end users who reads a Virus Bulletin's archives?

[Straight Shooter]

-{ Quote: " quoting: bigc73542 link=board=24;threadid=23352;start=0#msg138338 date=1078191048]

The big guys are also quicker to provide signature file updates for the latest worms to all of their customers " }-
ROFL. That's funny.. Sometimes, Not so true...

[gerardwil]

There are category 's of people using av software:

- people who buy an AV but never update

- people who download an AV and crack it or steal a serial, not to mention all other (unsafe) items

- people who buy and update but dont have any sense of safe computing.


I think those people are most vulnerable to virii, trojans etc.
And it makes in my opinion no differance if AV-software will be free.
I know some people who have all security programs installed, but i have to go there once a week to clean up some stuff.

Gerard

[slammer_JvA]

-{ Quote: " quoting: gerardwil link=board=24;threadid=23352;start=0#msg138827 date=1078269645]
I know some people who have all security programs installed, but i have to go there once a week to clean up some stuff.

Gerard

" }-

Moi Gerard :)

That is quite an admirable and noble effort you make every week, but.....

Why not refer Wilders to them instead? ;)

(By the way: Deventer koek is not bad either! ;D)

Slammer

[gerardwil]

Hey Slammer,

Sometimes I do and sometimes i dont *puppy*

Greetings,

Gerard