Microsoft To Get Malware Bailout In Germany 226
hweimer writes "The German government plans on paying to set up a call center to help Windows users with malware infections. I think this has the effect of being a malware bailout for Microsoft, discouraging them and other software companies from writing better code and giving users little incentive to switch to more secure alternatives. How much government money is needed to run the call center is also not revealed." The call center, running in cooperation with ISPs (but not manufacturers), is envisioned to have a staff of about 40.
Re:Not really (Score:5, Funny)
as we don't care so much about how to properly feed, exercise and clean ponies
On the contrary, I've had an inexplicable interest, some might even say obsession, with ponies since April 1, 2006.
"Hello, Malware center".. (Score:1, Funny)
"Hi, I'm calling about malware on my PC"?
"Buy a Mac". <click>
Re:Dumbfounded (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Not really (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Dumbfounded (Score:5, Funny)
My income is based on government make work projects you insensitive clod!
So do you work for DOT and vote Democrat or for a defense contractor and vote Republican? ;)
Re:Windows is vulnerable because that is profitabl (Score:4, Funny)
Does that mean users of Apple computers are far smarter than users of Windows computers?
Well duh. They picked Apple, didn't they?
Re:Someone translate to German... (Score:2, Funny)
Step 1: Back up your data. Step 2: Install SUSE Linux. Step 3: Profit? Step 4: Laugh at Microsoft. [schadenfreude here]
schadenfreude
I got this part:
schadenfreude
Re:Not really (Score:2, Funny)
The thing is, as we don't care so much about how to properly feed, exercise and clean ponies, normal people don't care so much about computer security. They just want to do their thing.
So... are you suggesting that you just want to.... "do your thing" with a pony?
Re:It doesn't say "for Microsoft" (Score:5, Funny)
In fact it states that this new service is for all users with all operating systems. So while indeed 99% of all users run Microsoft, niche systems like Linux and Mac will be helped too.
I like the way you think.
It's very different from the support centers that I call with hardware problems - like when an update bricked my router - that suggested I:
a) re-install Linux to fix the problem,
alternately, b) don't use a Mac, because they don't do REAL networking,
c) if I were only using Windows, I wouldn't be having this problem,
and my favorite -
d) I must be lying because no one has three operating systems in their house - and if I do, then maybe that's what bricked my router.
But - as I said, I like the way you think, and I wish them many good lucks with this endeavor.
Re:"Hello, Malware center".. (Score:5, Funny)
"Hi, I'm calling about malware on my PC"?
"Buy a Mac". *click*
Same caller a while later:
"Hi, I've bought a Mac and installed XP on it, but, ugh... it seems to be slow again..."
Re:"Hello, Malware center".. (Score:3, Funny)
Smart call center:
"Hi, I'm calling about malware on my PC"
"Ok, install this weird Linux distro from the 1990s"
(the next day) "Tried the Linux, but the internet isn't working"
"Good, that means your computer is secure now"