You buy a Word processor, Word 97, but the data formats keep changing. In order to load Word 2000 or Word XP documents, you have to buy the new version of Word. Plus you have to pay a subscription fee, because the data format changes each week and has to be updated as people create new Word documents.
Imagine, the AntiVirus makers, charging for a subscription to get AntiVirus data files. Some people don't update at all and get hit with the latest Outlook/Word/VBA/Windows virus/trojan. Now imagine that most people either cannot afford or don't want to pay $10USD a year to get those data file updates. Imagine the type of Viruses and Trojans that get spread around because of that. All because the AV companies want to get more money.
I think that AV software should be open sourced anyway, that way we can combat the viruses out there more. Any Open Sourced AntiVirus software, or is everyone in it for as much money as they can [possibly make?
I mean you guys holler about Windows XP needing a key to continue working after 10 hardware changes, but all of a sudden paying for AV data file updates is not an issue?