Windows 7 gets tough new anti-piracy checks

Jeff (New user):

"Will increasing snooping by your operating system put you off Windows?" -- APC

They put me off of Windows many years ago. This sort of thing just makes me happy that I switched to Linux and haven't looked back.

Anonymousewiuu2945u389 (User):

Quoting Article
"Will increasing snooping by your operating system put you off Windows?"

Not really. I don't have much of a choice as to what OS I use. Linux won't support some of my niche programs, and Mac, well, I'm not buying one of those computers where upgrading your HDD or battery is near impossible - and Mac can't run many of my niche programs...

Anonymousewiuu2945u389 (User):

Update: Hope they get Wine working better so it has better compatability than Vista - and update OpenOffice.org with much better graphics capabilities. These should allow me to get Linux going...

Also, I'm on Vista at the moment, not 7, so this just gives me another reason not to upgrade.

Halcon (User):

This situation has infuriated me, Microsoft has been an arrogant company that is interested in our money and nothing else.
To say they want to make sure no one is using a pirated copy of the software is a blatant excuse, I have no sympathy for MS biased fear.
I hope the people of Linux make a much bigger effort to knock down the tyrant once for all.
ALSO DON'T BUY A THING FROM THE SATANIC MICROSOFT CORP.
Spend your money in something else, until the crooked bastards of the evil company feel the wrath of the users.

Your Average Joe (User):

Quoting Halcon:
ALSO DON'T BUY A THING FROM THE SATANIC MICROSOFT CORP.

"What?!! I bought Win 7 ...." - Halcon

Is there an MS executive holding a gun to your head and forcing you to buy their products? ...... 'HYPOCRISY', look it up.

Must be a bugger for you to realise MS is making more money while you are just getting more bitter.

Me In Oz (User):

Quoting Halcon:
This situation has infuriated me, Microsoft has been an arrogant company that is interested in our money and nothing else.
To say they want to make sure no one is using a pirated copy of the software is a blatant excuse, I have no sympathy for MS biased fear.
I hope the people of Linux make a much bigger effort to knock down the tyrant once for all.
ALSO DON'T BUY A THING FROM THE SATANIC MICROSOFT CORP.
Spend your money in something else, until the crooked bastards of the evil company feel the wrath of the users.

LOL!!!
Man! who writes your stuff?

BrownieBoy (User):

If you play with crap all day, you're going to get your hands dirty.

I couldn't care less what Microsoft does. It will have no affect upon me.

Before too long, nobody else will care either.

me0101010101 (New user):

Yes, what gives Windows the autorization to snoop in the first place. What gives a corporation to violate the freedom of speech and privacy of an individual. If they want to heighten security, do it on their side. I laugh at this reasoning of "anti-piracy" and "security of user" when in fact its welcoming the pirates and the black hats to take down their operation. I totally disagree with any need to violate the Bill of Rights and HRC to profit one's own company.

Tin (User):

I HATE these updates... At one of my jobs, we've got a VLK license for Win XP, so all the computers use one product key, and no activation. All was working fine until one day a bunch of updates installed, and next thing I had 4 or 5 (out of about 60) computers telling me they weren't genuine.
Fortunately we have quick ways to rebuild software on our PCs... But imagine how a home user with a genuine license would feel being accused of piracy...

Potoroo (User):

Quoting Tin:
But imagine how a home user with a genuine license would feel being accused of piracy...


I got a false positive on my laptop (W7 Pro x32) last night. I'm experienced enough not to panic and sure enough when I checked Control Panel > System it said Windows was activated. Fair dinkum, you'd think the bastards would have learned from the XP/WGA debacle.

AlexF (New user):

I applaud any company that exercises its right to protect its IP. Too many people steal without regard for expense of bringing technology to market.
If people want software for free, let them use Linux or GPL to their heart's content. Otherwise, pay up.

Tin (User):

Quoting AlexF:
Too many people steal without regard for expense of bringing technology to market.


Too many corporations spend far too much time protecting their software than developing it.
Too many protection tactics fail to do anything more than annoy genuine users while the real revenue-harming pirates simply bypass the hassles.

Jeff (New user):

Quoting AlexF:
I applaud any company that exercises its right to protect its IP. Too many people steal without regard for expense of bringing technology to market.

Protecting IP is all well and good, but these companies often charge ridiculous prices for what they offer (particularly here in Australia) and the DRM/activation/etc. only hurts the legitimate users, while the people who are pirating aren't affected.


Quoting AlexF:
If people want software for free, let them use Linux or GPL to their heart's content. Otherwise, pay up.

I think it's more wanting something that's reasonably priced and doesn't decide that you are using an illegal version on a whim.

AlexF (New user):

Quoting Jeff:
I think it's more wanting something that's reasonably priced and doesn't decide that you are using an illegal version on a whim.

Don't like it? Can't afford it? Don't buy it and don't steal it. There are plenty of shareware and freeware, so, live with what you can afford. I don't go stealing BMW 520i because I can only afford a Holden Cruze.

I love to see/hear the thiefs squirm when Microsoft update their Activation. So funny the way they curse Microsoft. Hehehe.

AlexF (New user):

Quoting Jeff:
I think it's more wanting something that's reasonably priced and doesn't decide that you are using an illegal version on a whim.

Don't like to pay? Can't afford it? Then don't get it and don't steal it. Plenty of cheaper or free alternatives. I don't go stealing BMW 520i because I can only afford a Holden Cruze.

It great to see the thieves squirm when Microsoft updates its Activation. Funny to see them curse when they're locked out of their booty. Hehehe.

Raindog (New user):

Quoting AlexF:
It great to see the thieves squirm

You'd better be very careful who you are accusing of theft! Just because someone thinks WGA etc are a very bad idea, does not automatically identify that person as a thief! I take offence at your accusations and I'm sure a lot of others do too!

Tin (User):

Quoting AlexF:
It great to see the thieves squirm when Microsoft updates its Activation


And fantastic to see the people who think only pirates need to worry about anti-piracy. Let's see what your feelings are when you have to deal with the fallout when 5 employees can't work for a day while their computers accuse them of pirating software (and later management accuse you also).

AlexF (New user):

Quoting Tin:
> when you have to deal with the fallout when 5 employees can't work for a day while their computers accuse them of pirating software

The latest Activation update is voluntary and in Vista/7 you can specify to ignore certain updates. Also, Microsoft have a special Activation Centre for businesses. You'll have to deal with them if you're in the right.

In the end, you know, you don't have to use Windows. You can use a myriad of Linux versions, BSD, Open Solaris, etc. However, if you do chose Windows, then you have to live with the fact that the world's most popular OS is also the most pirated (and virus-targeted), unfortunately, and its maker has a right to protect its IP and revenue. If you have shares in or work for Microsoft, then that'd be your revenue too.

Raindog (New user):

Quoting AlexF:
The latest Activation update is voluntary and in Vista/7 you can specify to ignore certain updates.

Even if those updates affect the delivery of security updates to the most insecure OS in existence.


Quoting AlexF:
Also, Microsoft have a special Activation Centre for business.

And business don't like it.


Quoting AlexF:
You'll have to deal with them if you're in the right.

Legitimate users shouldn't have to deal with anyone, neither should they have to perpetually justify their purchase.


Quoting AlexF:
In the end, you know, you don't have to use Windows.

Not always true in a business situation. All the activation malarchy however and the costs it imposes on legitimate users sure have many of them looking for and at times adopting alternatives.


Quoting AlexF:
However, if you do chose Windows, then you have to live with the fact that the world's most popular OS is also the most pirated

Why should that be a burden or a concern to legitimate users. There are countless intrusion-less techniques that would allow MS to pursue software thieves, it simply beggars belief why they are hell bent on mucking about all their customers.


Quoting AlexF:
If you have shares in Microsoft

If WGA continues Poseidon shares would be a safer bet.

AlexF (New user):

Quoting Raindog:
updates to the most insecure OS in existence.

That is a stupid conclusion only made by ignorant or inexperienced fanbois.

I work on SUN (Solaris), F5 (BSD) and Oracle and we also get regular updates - it's a fact of life that complex man-made products have faults.

The simple fact is, more so for Windows than any other software ever written, that there's a genuine finacial gain in finding and exploiting holes in Windows and prefessional hackers are paid money to gnawl at it. Fair enough, everybody's gota live.

Linux will never (ever) be popular enough to be as targetted as Windows, so, if that's the advantage of Linux, so be it. Good for you.

Raindog (New user):

Quoting AlexF:
That is a stupid conclusion

No it is entirely accurate, are you suggesting Windows is more secure than other popular OSs? If so state you claim and show your wisdom to the masses.


Quoting AlexF:
only made by [personal attack]

And that little outburst earns you "abusive nobody poster of the day", however it does nothing for your credibility. If you cannot put a point forward without abuse it's time to turn your PC off.


Quoting AlexF:
I work on SUN (Solaris), F5 (BSD) and Oracle

Send an e-mail to APC and maybe they can organise you a group swoon.


Quoting AlexF:
and we also get regular updates

Well aren't you important! Most good software has regular updates, however those you've mentioned and most Unix's manage to can exploits long before they become a widespread problem. You little rant does nothing to deny the fact that MS updates are reactionary and generally post event hole plugging. If you have any of the experience you claim to hold you'd be well aware of the differences.


Quoting AlexF:
The simple fact is, more so for Windows than any other software ever written, that there's a genuine finacial gain in finding and exploiting holes in Windows and prefessional hackers are paid money to gnawl at it.

And the simple fact that the average script kiddie who'd have no hope anywhere else can have a field day on Windows boxes.


Quoting AlexF:
Fair enough, everybody's gota live.

Mores the pity.


Quoting AlexF:
Linux will never (ever) be popular enough to be as targetted as Windows,

What your suggesting is pure and simple nonsense. Windows by it's popularity is certainly the most targeted, it is also the easiest to infiltrate. Many known flaws have existed for a decade, but of course you'd know that if you claims were true.

Jeff (New user):

Quoting AlexF:
Don't like to pay? Can't afford it? Then don't get it and don't steal it.

No, I don't like to pay ridiculous amounts of money, especially when there are other OSes out there that are more reasonably priced. Linux: free, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard: $39 compared to Win 7 Ultimate: OEM $255 ($450 full). In what way can MS justify their price and then add in anti-piracy measures, which typically only hurt legitimate users (as with all DRM)?

Quoting AlexF:
It great to see the thieves squirm when Microsoft updates its Activation. Funny to see them curse when they're locked out of their booty. Hehehe.

Just so you, I DO have a legitimate copy of Windows, much as would rather not since Linux is a much better OS in all aspects (for me anyway), and as soon as games start being made for linux I'll be dumping Windows faster than you can say "Linux." Anyway, with these things I'm more worried about legitimate users being locked out since the pirates will simply bypass anything MS can do. It's about time all these companies shoving DRM down our throats realise that it barely slows down the pirates, but causes serious problems for the legitimate users.

AlexF (New user):

Quoting Jeff:
> I DO have a legitimate copy of Windows...serious problems for the legitimate users
Legitimate users have receipts. If EULA isn't broken, VCAT (or equivalent in each state) will sort it out for you. No one, including Microsoft, I am sure, want to lock-out genuine customers.

>Linux is a much better OS
Each to his own. Choice is great.

Tin (User):

Quoting AlexF:
Legitimate users have receipts. If EULA isn't broken, VCAT (or equivalent in each state) will sort it out for you.


We have enough trouble getting product keys and CDs off customers because they can't find them... How many do you think keep receipts?

Regardless of whether they have proof of purchase, why should they need to go to a government cunsumer rights department to keep their OS running? And what do they do for a computer in the 3 or 4 weeks that would take?

The point you seem to still not get is that it's not about whether you are legit or not, it's about the inconveniences and accusations that effect legitimate users... And the complete lack of effect it even has on the pirated copies, since pirates promptly work around it (or the users know the problem already and ignore the resulting warnings).

Jeff (New user):

Quoting AlexF:
Legitimate users have receipts. If EULA isn't broken, VCAT (or equivalent in each state) will sort it out for you. No one, including Microsoft, I am sure, want to lock-out genuine customers.

You're dreaming if you think all legitimate users have receipts - I'd say over 90% wouldn't have their receipt anymore, whether that's from loosing it over time, fading beyond recognition, or simply not having one in the first place (e.g. me - it came with my laptop, so no Windows receipt at all). And besides that, how many hours and phone calls do you have to go through to fix up THEIR problem?

 x  (New user):

hahahaha, 'potentially dangerous', eating breakfast is potentially dangerous.
"Microsoft’s commitment to keeping customers and partners secure" - hmmm, by essentially blocking updates and secuirty patches.
At least it will be interesting to see the workarounds for the latestMS BS.

Raindog (New user):

Quoting  x :
eating breakfast is potentially dangerous.

You really should consider another brand of cereal.

apt.pupil (New user):

i personally have no problems with getting this win7 update.
my reasoning?
I will have bought the retail version anyway.
Plus i would like to know when it has become such a dastardly crime to not support a pirated copy?
When you use a pirated copy of photoshop, you do not get updates or support either- and that is more expensive than windows 7 ultimate. I don't see people jumping down Adobe's throat for overcharging and not supporting their pirated copies

Tin (User):

Quoting apt.pupil:
i personally have no problems with getting this win7 update.
my reasoning?
I will have bought the retail version anyway.


SO what makes you so sure it won't just declare your copy is pirated? It does happen, and MS know it.

apt.pupil (New user):

Quoting Tin:
SO what makes you so sure it won't just declare your copy is pirated? It does happen, and MS know it.

I will have kept my original receipt(scanned, of course) and would pass it onto the appropriate department to get the problem resolved. Nothing i haven't had to do with other software in the past.

Raindog (New user):

Quoting apt.pupil:
will have kept my original receipt(scanned, of course) and would pass it onto the appropriate department to get the problem resolved.

That's all fine and dandy if you have four or so free hours of your life to waste. Times that by four or five times as Tin has suggested and who covers the days of lost income? I don't see MS rushing to write a cheque for lost time, in good faith, do you?

Halcon (User):

Everyone that buys a product (it does not matter if is from Microsoft or any other company) expect it to be usable, free from interferences to the user.
The pirates do not have problems while the legitimate users do have to be treated like criminals, this is really unfair.
If everyone agrees to not buying anything from Microsoft or any other software publisher, you would see the real difference, because this approach will the reduce the earnings and become a big worry for these greedy companies.
In the end, everyone spends a lot of money, yet the time frame for this product will be very short and replaced for "the next version" making your purchase obsolete, this is a complete rip-off, because you are forced to buy the "improved new version" for even more money!
This is a blatant money grab, if the improvements are OK, then the resultant price should be significantly less, say $20 a piece not $500.
With small amounts of money, Microsoft can make an even big earning, because more people can buy a product for less, a more reasonable approach.
If for the contrary, this company is not happy with this proposed amount then you see what kind of greedy company is this!

Anonymousewiuu2945u389 (User):

Quoting Halcon:
yet the time frame for this product will be very short and replaced for "the next version" making your purchase obsolete, this is a complete rip-off, because you are forced to buy the "improved new version" for even more money!


Why are there so many complaints about this on MS articles but not on Apple ones? And you're not forced to buy the new version of Windows - after all, everybody upgraded to Vista or changed horses midstream and left no XP users at all...

Raindog (New user):

Quoting Anonymousewiuu2945u389:
Given that 100% of PC failures I've had are power supply related

So all PC failure are PSU related?


Quoting Anonymousewiuu2945u389:
and power supplies aren't replaceable on iMacs

and with all computer related failures being PSU this would be a problem right?

Carp are fish, Fish live in the sea, so by the PSU theorem all fish are carp?


Quoting Anonymousewiuu2945u389:
the end result is buying a new computer for a couple of thousand dollars and throwing away all your data if you haven't made a backup

No! That is only one of many possible outcomes! The backup issue applying equally to any range of other problem. And I know since you've never experienced it in your 100% it cannot be true but hard disk failure will have catastrophic results for data on any platform.

But at the topic at hand regardless of platform no-one has to upgrade simply because a newer version is released.

Anonymousewiuu2945u389 (User):

deleted

Ausman (New user):

I've had Windows complain that my legitimate copy of Windows was pirated too! It's like periodically/rendomly accusing your legitimate customers of shoplifting. Soon enough you'd get offended and think the vendor is an idiot.

If the mischief makers want to they could just release a virus/trojan that poses as this MS invalid OS message. Then the fun will start...