Symantec Launches 'Windows 8 Beta-Ready' Security Software, Adds More For Android & Mac Discussion

[Jacqueline Emigh]

Read the full content of this Article: Symantec Launches 'Windows 8 Beta-Ready' Security Software, Adds More For Android & Mac Discussion

[SemiExpert]

Another Windows launch, another Internet Security software launch. The two go hand in hand. MSE is free and it's worth exactly what you pay for it - nothing. Well, better than nothing, but far, far behind Symantec.

Personally, I don't want to have to buy annual internet security subscriptions for mobile devices, I don't trust Microsoft's approach to security, and I suspect that most of the market feels the same way. The Windows brand name is tainted when it comes to the smartphone and tablet markets.

In contrast, Android can be fixed, and I really don't see why Google couldn't make Android as secure as any mainstream Linux distribution. They've made positive steps in recent months. There's still a big opening for Symantec in the Android space.

I can see why OS X will be a big market for Symantec in coming years, as the business use of Apple devices swells due to BYOD polices and the overwhelming preference of workers for Apple products. The people who have the ability to choose, chose Apple. For any Unix-like operating system, it still makes sense to run some sort of anti-malware suite, or even just a minimal anti-virus scan, especially when you're networked with vulnerable Windows boxes. Symantec is smart to pursue the OS X market, even though the platform lacks the inherent vulnerabilities of Windows. The same is true of Android.

[Mitlov]

Another Windows launch, another Internet Security software launch. The two go hand in hand. MSE is free and it's worth exactly what you pay for it - nothing. ... The people who have the ability to choose, chose Apple.

Okay, you like OSX and dislike Windows, you like Apple hardware and dislike PC manufacturer hardware, we get it already. Do you need to beat this drum in any review involving Windows software or a Windows PC?

[Jarhead]

A little bias much, SemiExpert?

I've personally had no problems with MSE and it's detected more baddies on my family's computer than the last AV they ran before I forced it off (Webroot). But you're argument says that Webroot > x40 MSE?

Lemme guess, you'd also think that Linux is pure garbage as well, since nobody has to pay for it?

[Mitlov]

Actually, I'm pretty sure that Linux is the only product cooler than Apple _________ in SemiExpert's opinion, based upon his previous posts bashing Dell for selling laptops with Windows instead of Ubuntu.

[Jarhead]

Well, saying that free software is crap, then having a positive attitude towards Linux is a bit...hypocritical?

Anyway, back on topic. I don't see why users just don't smarten up and simply be careful when they connect to the internet. If people knew a thing or two about avoiding shady websites and apps like WeatherBug, we probably would drastically cut our need for AV software.

[Mitlov]

Well, saying that free software is crap, then having a positive attitude towards Linux is a bit...hypocritical?

In all fairness, he's saying it's worth what you pay for it, but he didn't say that all free software is that way. He's bashing it because it's Microsoft, not because it's free.

For what it's worth, I love MSE. Best AV software I've ever used.