I just saw this advertisement (on a Mac site no less):

Er, what? Come again?

Microsoft (MS) is giving a free beta download to Windows users after they validate their software as being genuine.

Ok.

In one regard I can see that as a good thing: Microsoft sees that Spyware is a problem and is offering free software to fix it.

But I would have a HUGE problem with this if I were a Windows user. One thing is that the beta is free ("Oooooo! You mean I don't have to pay for software that is still under development!? Gee, thanks MS!"), implying that people will have to pay for it at some point.

MS has already talked about similar payment plans for their upcoming Anti-virus software, and besides, this is MS we're talking about, so making people pay for the Anti-Spyware software isn't a big stretch of the imagination.

Plus, users have to dig up and enter a long registration key just to download this software. And just think of the amount of spyware that could accumulate for a new user before they're able to download the Anti-spyware software, service packs, and other security updates that are needed before being able to safely cruise the Internet.

Most average users probably don't understand that this isn't how things have to be. Not all Operating Systems are as buggy or have as many security risks as Windows does.

I was at the Dentist's office the other day, and they had a guy fixing their systems because the main machine was hit by several viruses. I overheard the maintenance steps that the support guy was relating to the people in the office and it was just crazy. "Update this, patch that, make sure you scan several times a week" --- who has time for that?

It just kills me that MS has the gall to promote something like their Anti-spyware as a positive thing, and make you jump through hoops to get it.

But hey, I'm a Mac user for many good reasons. I don't settle for mediocrity, I don't waste any time maintaining my computer, and I actually love using my computer because I can quickly do what I need to do in a fun way.

So, Windows users - don't go along with Microsoft's agenda of keeping you in an endless loop of paying for upgrades.

Just get a Mac, or heck, install Linux on your system . You'll be happy you did. Either of these is a far better option than Windows.


(*If you want help extricating yourself from the Windows Matrix, just ask around this site. Post in the comments or forums. There's sure to be a Mac or Linux geek at the ready to help you investigate your options and then guide you through the process of switching. And hey, switching to a Mac is a piece of cake, but it's always nice to have a safety net when a question or problem comes up.)