Windows 8 Release Preview now available

And the manufacturer of Windows also sells "anti virus" products and 'after-care' security updates and support to patch over the security holes in the original product...

Microsoft Security Essentials is free and so are all security updates. I am assuming you mean something else?

Yes, the 'paid for' 'enhancements'...

Are you reassured by a non-purchased closed product that is carefully named "Essentials" suggesting that you should be 'upgrading' to something a 'little more substantial'?

Also note the corporate costs for those companies and organizations trapped in expensive lock-in on older systems whereby support is only available if paid for...


But still, so many years down the line, why do we still have such a malware problem requiring 3rd-party 'band-aid' fixes? As any good doctor would advise: It is far better to cure an ailment at source rather than merely treat the symptoms. (Unless perhaps that is you are talking placebo or alternatively palliative care...)