http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=325837&ssid=54&sid=BUS
Brussels, Sept 28: Leading computer security firm Symantec warned
that users of Microsoft's new 'Vista' operating system could find
their options for running anti-virus style software seriously
reduced.
Vista is still in the final stages of its development phase and the
system is not due to go on sale until the beginning of 2007.
But Symantec's communications director Chris Paden on Wednesday
told AFP that in its current form the new Microsoft operating
system (OS) would "reduce consumer choice" when it came to computer
security.
The problem, Paden explained, was that Vista currently contains a
built-in Microsoft 'security centre' that includes applications
such as anti-virus software, firewalls and anti-spyware
packages.
Security Centres have existed in previous Microsoft systems --
there is one in the popular Windows XP for example -- but until now
it has always been possible to replace the Microsoft package with
security software made by another company.
With the current version of Vista this will not be possible, Paden
said. It will be possible to install other security packages but
not remove the Microsoft centre.
"It would be like trying to drive a car with two dashboards. This
is going to cause a great deal of consumer confusion," Paden
complained.
As the world leader in security software, Symantec clearly has a
vested interest in ensuring it is possible to install non-Microsoft
security packages in Vista.
But the Symantec spokeman insisted his complaints were not solely
motivated by self interest. He said Microsoft should try to promote
the development of new and better software by allowing other
companies' products to work easily with Vista.
"If they really wanted to promote innovation, they would work with
vendors," he said.
He accused Microsoft of "digging their heels in" and refusing to
listen to Symantec's request for Microsoft to make it possible to
remove the built-in security centre from the new operating
system.
He also warned that Vista users could face serious computer
security problems as the new operating system had not been designed
to take into account the latest generation of security
threats.
"It has been built for a threat landscape which existed three or
four years go," he said.
The European Commission, which in March 2004 slapped a record fine
of 497 million euros (631 million dollars) on Microsoft for abusing
its dominant market position, has already warned the software giant
that in its current form Vista risks falling foul of EU competition
rules.
In March this year EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said
the new operating system could break competion law, notably because
of its security compnents.
Since then, Microsoft and the Commission have been in discussions
over the issue.
Bureau Report
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Nice piece of work by Microsoft. I'm sticking to XP or switching to
another OS. I don't want crashes or leave with no choices...
