If computer viruses were to suddenly be eradicated overnight, much to the delight of users, what would be the reaction of software producers?

After all, anti-virus protection is a multi-million pound business. I imagine their reaction would be dismay, disbelief and horror as millions of pounds of software became obsolete and millions of pounds of business was wiped out overnight.

The majority of viruses come from the internet and ISPs, I am sure, could prevent most getting to the end user. If the public can protect their systems with the available software, why can't the ISP do it for us?

Whilst I am not going to suggest that the likes of Norton clap with glee when another virus hits the net, lets be honest - it does bring in the millions. And the cost of such anti-virus producers advertising must run into millions per year, so by scaremongering they pressure people into believing they must have the latest anti-virus software.

It is time that ISPs were liable for the content of what is downloaded from the web, and should the content contain harmful viruses they should be liable for repairing the damage.

I wonder how far away we are from the first test case - now that would be interesting.

J Shingler