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Microsoft Charges For Protection

Microsoft to unveil paid security service

SEATTLE - A new security service from Microsoft (MSFT) will charge users $49.95 per year to better protect its Windows operating system from spyware, viruses and other Internet attacks.
Ref. USAToday.com

Protection Charges Microsoft

I am not so sure why I should pay Microsoft $50 a year to protect me, when they can't even put out a bug-free product. I will take my chances with the individual software applications that are available eg antivirus, anti-spyware, etc. Another Microsoft built-in utility, in my opinion, is not the best solution.

Microsoft Charges For Protection Gaming Video & Issues Computer

I do not believe this would actually be a terrible idea for a few different reasons.

1. Even with Microsoft not being the most stable software products available I find that it is in many cases adding to the problem with many different third party applications. Along with the integration factor into the core of windows the benefit of having it properly tested and patched for possible errors is evident when it is sold by the same company. Even then, 50$ US per year is rather cheap for anti-virus and ad-ware protection.

2. I can't recall the name of the company at the moment but if someone can remember I would appreciate it but, Microsoft purchased a rather large company that specializes in spyware protection and removal just last year. The company held a great reputation so I am sure we can expect great results from the use of upcoming products.

Protection Charges Microsoft

Really? I run a free anti-virus these days, and personally, I don't think paying more money equates to better protection. Microsoft has to realize how many free solutions are available these days, and be a little bit more responsive to that. My in-laws for example. They got a new pc which came with a reputable AV program 90-day trial. After it was expired, I gave them two possibilities; pay $39.99 per year to get updated AV subscriptions, or download and install a free one which works just as well. Guess which option they chose?

Protection Charges Microsoft

OK, now I agree there are many cheaper and free options available but I question many of these programs worth as "What do you really get for free?" I have used AVG and was fairly happy with it as well as many anti-spyware products that are also available free such as ad-aware. In comparison these products are either an anti-virus or an anti-spyware so you would in turn be running two separate programs. My comparison was actually directed to Norton Internet Security and PC-Cillin Internet Security. These products including anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam filtering in some cases, as well as firewall. These products in general start at 59$ US and go up from there. (I believe Norton was 79.99 for the full package last I checked.)