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Comment by Niten | Hacker News Reader

> Microsoft doesn't remove malware that Windows users install either.

Yes they do:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129972/en-us

"Call 1-866-PCSAFETY or call 1-866-727-2338 to contact security support."

> Two hundred clueless posts on a web forum out of a userbase of millions doesn't mean there's a "malware explosion," as he described it. Why are people falling for this flamebait?

If Apple is issuing special instructions to its support staff about this malware, then clearly this is a pronounced problem.

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Not only that but Microsoft has an anti-virus anti-malware application. AND as part of Windows Update they regularly run the malicious program removal tool.

And I suspect MS would ship antivirus built into Windows if they could. Unfortunately, antitrust makes packaging things that make sense a non-starter if other companies sell it.

Oh they absolutely would. Heck, Windows Defender is the same engine as MSE, they just had to limit its functionality to keep from getting sued. They were even threatened by the third-party antivirus companies when they promoted a link to MSE in Microsoft Update.

But hopefully they can take a more proactive course now that the DoJ's oversight is ending:

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2011/04/department-of-...

Huh? Windows Defender existed before MSE.

Not only that, but Microsoft isn't a direct retailer, they're a wholesaler. If you have a problem with your machine, it's the responsibility of the person who sold it to you to ensure it is fit for purpose, not the upstream provider.

Apple is a direct retailer.

What happened to the microsoft retail stores? Did they close up already?

Update: checked Wikipedia, they have 8 stores open and two more in development.

Well, if you buy direct from Microsoft, then yes, they need to help you with their product. The overwhelming majority of microsoft products are bought through other agents, though (I was unaware they even had retail).

It would be great if they prompted the user to install antivirus on the first boot like they do with browsers in the special edition of Windows 7.

I'm sure it would be a mess, and some programs give a false sense of security, but it would probably be the best trade-off.

That works well with browsers because virtually all browsers are free. With antivirus McAfree and Norton will almost certainly complain if they're not included. And I suspect they'd propose they can host their 3-month trial versions. Yada yada yada... it's a lot messier.

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