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With the rollout of the Windows 8 operating system expected later
this year, millions of desktop and laptop PCs will get kill switches
for the first time. Microsoft (<a
href="http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?ticker=MSFT">MSFT</a>)
hasn’t spoken publicly about its reasons for including this
capability in Windows 8 beyond a cryptic warning that it might be
compelled to use it for legal or security reasons. The feature was
publicized in a widely cited <em>Computerworld</em> article in
December when Microsoft posted the terms of use for its new
application store, a feature in Windows 8 that will allow users to
download software from a Microsoft-controlled portal. Windows
smartphones, like those of its competitors, have included kill
switches for several years, though software deletion “is a last
resort, and it’s uncommon,” says Todd Biggs, director of product
management for Windows Phone Marketplace. <br>
<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-kill-switch-comes-to-the-pc-02162012.html">http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-kill-switch-comes-to-the-pc-02162012.html</a>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who
approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but
downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.
The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able
might have a gun." - Patrick Henry
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