February 10, 2003 7:03 pm - Editorial writers are amusing.  The latest example is a certain Mr. Helft at the esteemed Mercury News.  He is of the opinion that software makers should be liable when computer viruses and worms destroy data and cause work slow downs (if a customer wants to include a liability clause in the purchasing agreement and the supplier agrees to it, that's another matter - but he never suggests that as an option). As usual, his answer lies in getting politicians involved to make things right again.  The absurdity of trusting Gray Davis over Bill Gates when it comes to software security is evident.  Mr. Helft would never rely on the free market system to address such issues.   Doing so would permit buyers and sellers to trade without interference from the all-knowing state, and this is anathema to socialists like Helft.  My letter follows:
		Dear Mr. Helft, How can you write an entire article about the damage done by computer worms and not once mention the geeks who unleash them?  You act as though these thing spring up organically like mushrooms.  Amazing. Have you considered that software makers and their consumers might have different priorities than newspaper editorial writers?  Are they using your money to buy the stuff?  I think not.  If customers are willing to risk their own data in buying vulnerable software, what right do you have to tell them otherwise?   And if it becomes evident over time that network security becomes a higher priority than performance or features, it will behoove Microsoft and other suppliers to meet that demand or lose market share to those that will. But no.  Let's rely on political hacks (who have such a keen sense of how to erect secure network environments) to enact yet more laws to "fix" the problem.  If all else fails, we can sic the lawyers on Bill Gates and other entrepreneurs.  Just another convenient way to "get the rich," right Mr. Helft?