Microsoft and other software producers make free upgrades available to legitimate buyers of applications when security risks are exposed. You probably have firsthand experience with updating Microsoft’s products as new security risks are identified;

only those who purchased and registered the software are eligible to receive these free downloads. Unfortunately, some people use pirated copies of Microsoft software and are, of course, not eligible to receive security downloads. An argument has been made that these security upgrades should be free to everyone because individuals using software with security vulnerabilities are a threat to everyone using the Internet since their computers are more easily converted to zombies that can spew spam in ever-increasing numbers, and they are more likely to contract and spread viruses. Those who argue that security patches should be available to everyone say that there will always be pirated software in use—especially in those countries that have no laws against it or weak laws against it—so if we are ever to tighten security on the Internet, software manufacturers must provide security patches as a public service. Do you agree that security patches for popular software should be available free to everyone, no questions asked? Explain your answer. Do you agree that software vulnerable to security breaches threatens all computer users? Why or why not? In your opinion, is it possible for the Internet community to solve this problem without asking software developers to give away their product?

Explain your answer.