WinVista's Big Selling Point is Security?

Surfing along today I found this Newsweek writeup describing WinVista's key selling point is security. Here's my beef: what credibility does Microsoft have in this arena? Their current client operating system, Windows XP, has proven woefully defective between viruses, scumware, and phishing. The problem isn't new either; Windows exploits have disproportionately affected computer users for generations (even as far back as DOS).

The fact of the matter is that customers looking for better security should dollar-vote a different operating environment. Linux and Mac OS have proven more reliable on the security front. This isn't to admonish Microsoft since they've focused a lot of their attention to the security problem. SP2 for XP helps as does the acquired AntiSpyware application from Giant. Windows 2003 Server has also been relatively secure but I'd posit the reasons include professional IT staff using that technology and the fact that servers don't get used for casual websurfing. In the years following Bill Gates's trusted computing mantra, those 3 releases have been standouts.

But despite all that, should you really buy Windows Vista based on Microsoft's past track record? More importantly, should you even consider it a "feature" when you're deciding to upgrade? Computer security is like having car seatbelts: standard equipment that would never be touted as a reason to buy a new car. I mean, if Ford built a car with ineffective seatbelts, would you buy another?