CNN reports that Microsoft may charge extra for security software:
Microsoft Corp. disclosed plans Thursday to offer frustrated users of its Windows software new tools within 30 days to remove spyware programs secretly running on computers. But it might cost extra in coming months.
In a shift from past practice, the world’s largest software manufacturer said it may charge consumers for future versions of the new protective technology, which Microsoft acquired by buying a small New York software firm. Terms of the sale of Giant Company Software Inc. weren’t disclosed.
No, no, no! Security features in the operating system should be free. Period. Anyone running Windows should get the code that prevents their computer from being compromised. The goal should be 100% adoption, and charging extra for security features means settling for significantly less than that goal.
By giving away OS security features, Microsoft would reap more in reduced tech support costs and increased goodwill than they could ever bring in by selling them as an add-on to Windows.