Security Essentials Shows up as an OPTIONAL to machines that have no antivirus protection and now the paid for solutions are starting to cry foul.
When the little action center flag comes up and if the user actually clicks on it for more information and they have no AntiVirus software installed I am pretty sure it takes you to the page displayed above with many choices to choose from. Does it not? So there is no problem but Panda wants to make a big deal out of nothing.
PandaLabs wants Microsoft to offer a Windows antivirus software ballot to customers along the lines of the browser ballot currently being offered in Europe.
In an exclusive interview with PC Pro, PandaLabs technical director Luis Corrons had this to say:
“We think this is not fair,” said Corrons, referring to the inclusion of Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows Update. “It is trying, somehow, to bundle the software it develops and take out competitors.
Corrons seems mistaken as to how Windows Update works. Windows users will only see the option to download Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows Update is they open up Windows Update application and choose to install optional updates.
Corrors goes on:
“A single solution is a security nightmare,” he continued. “If all of us have the same security software, that makes it easier for the bad guys.”
Corrons claimed a ballot similar to the browser choice screen would be a fairer solution. “There should be a list of a number of security software packages out there - including Microsoft, of course - and then let the user make the choice,” he said.
Maybe Corrons hasn’t been keeping up with things, but as Ed Bott points out, Microsoft already has a link that customers can use taking them to a page highlighting 25 programs, mostly paid for applications, including PandaLabs products. Much like the browser ballot, this listing is randomized.
Perhaps Microsoft should display the cost per year of these product alongside the links?
