[LINK] Rampaging bugbear

[Rachel Polanskis]

I think there is a ridiculously simple solution to the whole Microsoft patching problem.
It will still not stop the completely lazy users but it will catch most of them.

The simple idea is that Microsoft encourages legitimate users to register their
bugware.  In return, MS will send patch updates on CDROM for the lifetime of
the product - in fact the update could consist of a complete OS update linked to
the original license key on the afflicted PC and only work with that machine.

Users would still have the opportunity to download patch updates online if they
desired but since this is proving to be useless in most cases, a CDROM install
is more enticing.   Especially if it contained some bonus trinkets like games
or demos of future releases or whatever.

Of course the idea pivots on MS spending some of it's ill earned profits on
actually giving away free CD's with Windows on it periodically (albeit node licensed)
but I think even domestic users are less likely to ignore a nice CD in a jewel
case that promises to patch or update their OS.  It also means that MS has
to give in a little and actually trust their customers for a change and
not be such greedy weasels wrt piracy &c.

The benefit to the user is that they get a CD based update for the life of the OS
(they already do this for corporate customers) which can double as a coaster
when you're finished with it.   The benefit to MS is that they increase
their loyalty base because it encourages users to license their product as they
actually get something tangible in return (this CD means we're thinking of you).

It would boost their whole PR image and really not cost them a whole lot
in production & distribution and there's not going to be too much difference in
the level of Windoze piracy too - at least those cracked OS's will be relatively
secure.

All it involves is a little trust from MS and a dollar or two thrown back at their
licensees every now and then.

Microsoft is free to use my idea on the proviso it pays me an exorbitant amount
of money for thinking up the bleeding obvious.


rachel

-- 
Rachel Polanskis                 Kingswood, Greater Western Sydney, Australia
grove@zeta.org.au                http://www.zeta.org.au/~grove/grove.html
      "People don't say sorry in this country" - Max Connors (Seachange)

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