http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...rney_suggests_net_tax_to_clean_computers.html "Today most hacked PCs run Microsoft's Windows operating system," *sigh rubs forehead. pinches nose-bridge from huge headache that just came on*
How about breaking microsoft into two or three companies that will compete in selling a more secure windows OS ? Now, that's what I'd call a market solution.
Never be able to truly stop hackers.. Just like games.. even with so called punkbuster and other programs still can't stop them.. There will always be some new loop hole or bug to use..
Let's just break everything up. We'll start with your monthly paycheck that you have worked hard to build up. Give one third to me and another third to the XOO forums. Ludicrous huh??!! Why does your solution have to be punishment?? Or maybe I missed some sarcasm??....hmm, oh well
As I think the guy admitted, it would never gain traction. One of the primary reasons is that you'll end up charging responsible users for the mistakes of irresponsible ones. That and it's not unlikely that people using operating systems like Linux will protest that they're effectively paying for the mistakes of Microsoft; although that isn't strictly true (security is affected by users and application vendors as well, and isn't within MS's ability to make perfect), they do have a point. They are probably doing their best not to be part of the problem, thus shouldn't be penalized for that. Regarding breaking Microsoft up; the usual reason I've heard this suggested is to break ties between various Microsoft products. Splitting the OS division in three would most likely result in less secure products because you'd reduce the resources they had to throw at the same problem.
That's never stopped punitive legislation or governmental action in the past (like no hand held cellphones while driving in places like California). Honestly, I could see it happening on the state level. I could see states like California going after such a tax to close their budget gaps (i.e. ones with a legislature that is more inclined to raise taxes instead of cut programs to balance a budget).
What good will breaking Microsoft up do? I mean, the guy said that it was a public safety issue, didn't he? This is serious! I have an cousin who died of a computer virus! ...Well, maybe not. Oh, and California does have a solution to the budget problem. It's called the CHP ~.^
What his quote should have said: As for breaking up microsoft? really? Just wanted to slip that in there didn't you. -1 for you.
