David Flynn23 October 2009, 4:40 PM
Microsoft admits that its new TV advertisements about the security features of Windows 7 are potentially misleading, saying users “can get better guidance at retail or on the Web”.
Does Windows 7 really protect your PC from malware and hackers? Don’t ask Microsoft – and if you do, don’t trust their answer, because Microsoft itself admits you can get better advice elsewhere.
That’s the bottom line surrounding a new TV advertisement set to begin screening on Australian TV stations following yesterday’s launch of Windows 7.
The ad likens a Windows 7 PC to a ‘castle’ surrounded by a fiery moat – a good representation of a firewall, perhaps – while an actor spruiks the enhanced security of the fresh-baked OS.
“My PC should have more security. Like 50-foot castle wall-type security... Windows 7 keeps all my personal info safe and I don’t have to worry about bad stuff getting through.”
But a senior Microsoft Australia executive backed away from endorsing the ad’s suggestion that Windows 7 is completely secure on its own and doesn’t need additional anti-virus or security software.
“I think if (people) are taking their security advice from the TV ad, hopefully they can get better guidance at retail or on the Web” said Jeff Putt, Windows Consumer Lead for Microsoft Australia. Putt suggested that these avenues would provide potential Windows 7 buyers “with more sincere guidance around what they should get”.
While Putt emphasised that “Windows 7 is the most secure operating system we've produced”, he also pointed out that users should also download the new free
Windows Security Essentials package.