J’accuse Microsoft

DoN’t people realise that the most insidious piece of ransomware on virtually everybody’s computer is Windows?

Microsoft sells you a licence — you do not own it — to use Windows, then abandons you after a few years to make you buy a new version of its operating system.

this would not be so bad if Windows was secure, but clearly it is not. Microsoft is basically selling an incomplete product.

Governments of countries round the world that were hit by last week’s virus should be suing Microsoft for costs arising from its product.

When Microsoft pushes you into buying a newer version of Windows, you do not just have that cost. Sometimes, you also have to buy new computers to run the latest version. then you have to pay to have your applications software to be upgraded to run on the new Windows.

then there’s the cost of retraining all your staff to learn all the changes Microsoft has made — mostly of marginal or no benefit to users.

Microsoft is a huge near-monopoly, worth nearly $500billion, which is using its power to bully computer users. How much tax does Microsoft pay to HM treasury on its profits in the UK? Does the Monopolies Commission still exist? William loughnan, Belfast. MiCroSoft is blaming governments for not updating computers, but surely the question should be asked: why was Microsoft allowed to withdraw support of Windows XP — a decision designed to force customers to spend on new versions?

XP was only a few years old and quite adequate for its purpose. Microsoft regularly update Windows 10, as users will know, which is frustrating but better than having to obtain a patch elsewhere.

Microsoft is a commercial operation determined to maximise profits, part of which it spends on accountants that minimise its tax liabilities.

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