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Panda demands ballot screen for Windows security software, forgets they're already on one
Panda's Luis Corrons told PC Pro, "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."
Corrons, obviously, has forgotten about the fact that they're included on Microsoft's Consumer Security Software Providers page -- to which the balloon in my screenshot sends you when you click it. Ed Bott made mention of this when he blogged about MSEgate last week, and notes that the ordering is randomized. Can't get much more fair than that.
The notfication to download MSE via Windows update is almost invisible when compared to the system tray alert. In fact, it doesn't even mention MSE specifically -- only that "optional updates are available." If a user doesn't click through, they'll never know that MSE is being offered.
The system tray notification, however, pops up much more prominently. There's no denying that a user is much more likely to click it than to find MSE buried in the Windows Update screens. And once a user has installed a recognized antivirus app, Panda's gripe becomes moot -- because MSE is only offered to users who haven't been on-the-ball enough to install a similar app already.
Beyond that, we also know how effective the browser ballot has been at shifting market share -- so clearly Panda wasn't paying attention to that news, either. My advice to Panda: make good software and make sure people know about it. Howling about unfairness when it doesn't really exist just makes you look foolish.
Comments
10
Subscribe to commentsrinryuuNov 9th 2010 8:52AM
These companies that can't stop crying to push their stuff on people who either don't care what they're using or don't know enough to make a proper decision really annoy me. I'll be sure to avoid ever giving them my money. Bunch of children wearing suits.
cuboidalNov 9th 2010 10:40AM
I have to ask how deep does this rabbit hole go? There are so many features of Windows that have a third-party alternative or supplement. Should they all get ballot screens? Should the user have to spend an hour clicking through ballot screens before they can even use their new computer.
On a similar note, if this and the browser issue are really anti-trust violations by Microsoft (which IMO are not, obviously), why doesn't anyone go after Apple? I know in the States, at least, there is no room for anything but the iPod.
There might be a grand total of about five people I know that don't use an iPod as their music player, so, yes, Apple does have a monopoly. Technically, Apple isn't forcing iTunes since music can be bought elsewhere and imported into iTunes but they certainly don't make it easy. Microsoft, meanwhile, don't come anywhere close to "pushing" MSE or even IE. Yet, Apple is allowed to "push" iTunes and its music, video, and app store. Shouldn't Apple be forced to separate iTunes-the-iPod-syncing-program from iTunes-the-web-store? Or better yet, put a ballot for the music store. Or, best of all, just stop this madness because neither company is forcing anything on its users in the markets it has a monopoly.
dmitr77Nov 9th 2010 11:07AM
I use MSE not because it is in the windows update menu but bc it is free and better than most of the options up there. Yes panda that means you
WilliamNov 9th 2010 12:25PM
Agreed.
sitrucNov 9th 2010 2:42PM
I'm mad Microsoft isn't using my ballot screen.
Nikola G.Nov 9th 2010 12:52PM
I swear that one can not be as dumb as this Luis Corrons. It is mighty obvious that these are just shouts based on thin air; zero facts nor arguments to even remotely support the need for a ballot screen for Windows security software. It is also an uninteresting cry for a goddamn attention that absolutely no one is interested in. Or just free advertising. Whichever it is, is scream fail.
As mentioned before, channel your energy into using your brain more, thus making your software better.
MarkusNov 9th 2010 1:34PM
LMAO, this is ridiculous, whats next? A calculator ballot screen?
AnthonyNov 9th 2010 1:59PM
It's all a plea to try to get someone high up in the legal ranks to notice and file a suit against Microsoft. They seriously need to get over themselves.
Crome TysnomiGnu32Nov 9th 2010 3:22PM
Yeah, no. This idea sounded good back in the day for browsers when people were convinced they had to stick with IE6. Now, with anti-virus software, surprisingly enough Microsoft's FREE solution is the BEST.
After years of using Avast Personal edition, never looking back. Not once has security essentials pissed me off.
nicbotNov 10th 2010 12:55PM
Same here.
This is all indicative of companies not willing to change and innovate with the times. Throwing your hands up and blaming MS is so 1999. The bottom line here is that MS has done a great job with MSE and offering it in Windows Update is even better for the greater good IMO. Honestly I think it should be part of the default Windows install... Imagine what would happen to the virus and botnet community if this happened...