The prospect that Microsoft might make Windows updates mandatory Microsoft might make Windows updates mandatory certainly got readers talking. And most of the talk was not happy.
"We now use our firewalls to block the users from going to Windows Update site and attempting to patch things themselves," wrote one reader. "The extremely high cost of ownership -- partly due to all of these problems and patches -- weighs heavily against any future purchases of Microsoft products. If Microsoft decides to make patches mandatory, it will effectively remove our ability to control the patching process in a way that protects our company from their screw-ups. It will be the final issue that leaves us no alternative but to migrate to Linux. How's that for irony? A Microsoft innovation that forces me to purchase Linux instead."
My favorite comment though was from a reader who imagined how security initiatives like Microsoft's might be applied in other businesses: "Yes, sir, you bought and paid for that automobile, but you only licensed the engine management system (EMS) software. Due to unfounded reports in the press -- which violate the EUDA (End User Driver Agreement) for publishing test results not sanctioned by our company -- that these engines will self destruct when driven over 50 mph, we have re-certified the upper speed limit for your vehicle to 49 mph. As per the EUDA you agreed to the first time you started your car, for your safety and the safety of others using the same roads you do, we require you to bring your car into our service location to allow your EMS to be updated so that it can restrict the top speed of your vehicle to conform with the new specifications. This servicing will take between 4 hours (if you live along the interstate) to 4 days (for rural locations) to perform, at which time you will be without the use of your vehicle (and as per the EUDA we are not required to provide you with a loaner). Please note that EMS in your vehicle will be remotely disabled if you do not have this update installed prior to the expiration of the product life cycle for your vehicle, which may have changed since when you purchased it."
12:29:31 PM 
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