Mele20Premium
join:2001-06-05
Hilo, HI
kudos:4 | reply to ZOverLord
Re: Microsoft Piracy Check Comes Calling Another reason to keep auto updating disabled. I won't be getting this tool that I would find offensive.
I think this excerpt from Paul Thurott's scathing analysis of Vista (I won't touch Vista with a 100 foot pole after reading his article) sums it up rather well:
"The company itself has turned into that thing it most hated (read: IBM), an endlessly complex hierarchy of semi-autonomous middle managers and vice presidents of various levels and titles, many of whom can't seem to make even the smallest of decisions. The company is too big and too slow to ship updates to its biggest products. It's collapsing under its own weight.
For Windows, specifically, the situation is dire. As I've noted in the past, the Windows Division retains, as employees of the software giant have told me, the last vestiges of the bad, old Microsoft. This is the Microsoft that ran roughshod over competitors in order to gain market share at any cost. The Microsoft that forgot about customers in its blind zeal to harm competitors. The Microsoft, that frankly, all the Linux and Apple fanatics always imagined was out there, plotting and planning their termination. The Microsoft that threatens Windows fans with needless legal threats rather than reaching out and creating constructive relationships with the very people who prop up the company the most....
... Sadly, Gates, too, is part of the Bad Microsoft, a vestige of the past who should have had the class to either formally step down from the company or at least play just an honorary role, not step up his involvement and get his hands dirty with the next Windows version. If blame is to be assessed, we must start with Gates. He has guided--or, through lack of leadership--failed to guide the development of Microsoft's most prized asset. He has driven it into the ground."
»www.winsupersite.com/reviews/win···8_05.asp
(Bold is my addition).
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"If you want to do DRM on a PC then you need to treat the user as the enemy." Ross Anderson in "`Trusted Computing' Frequently Asked Questions" |
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 TK421Premium
join:2004-12-19
Canada
1 edit | reply to ZOverLord
I think that MS is taking the apparent success of having most people accepting WGA to mean they can now expand the anti-piracy check, making it effective (for MS). To date, more than 150 million PCs have participated in the WGA program, according to Microsoft. About 65 percent of users in seven countries have accepted the Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications tool download, it said. Allowing MS to validate some downloads with "Genuine Advantage" didn't really bother me much, but now they want to install a tool that will check at startup, login and during use?Following download and installation of the "Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications" tool, users of a pirated copy will see alerts at startup, login and during their use of the operating system. The alerts read: "This copy of Windows is not genuine; you may be a victim of software counterfeiting." Worth noting: Microsoft isn't pushing Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications out to all Windows users, but to a random subset, Lazar said. It is using its Windows Automatic Updates feature to deliver the tool. Automatic Updates, typically used to deliver security fixes, is enabled on the PCs of most Windows users, according to Microsoft. "You can uninstall Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications by using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel."
I also suspect that the installation will eventually become mandatory if Microsoft discovers relatively few users don't accept WGA. My installation is and always has been valid, so I expect to never have any trouble with WGA -- but on the other hand, simply knowing it's there is a little disturbing. This all reminds of copy-protection devices used by games... if it were feasible, wouldn't MS like everyone to "insert the original Windows CD-ROM" to use their computers? Just joking (I hope). |
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 Anonymous_AnonymousPremium
join:2004-06-21
127.0.0.1
kudos:2
4 edits | reply to jbob
LegitCheckControl.dll good working one from your Friends computer
is a u need to pass WGA
i do not even update anyways cause it's a waste of disk space that could be use for something else |
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 LeeBeeIt's Dark Out There
join:2003-06-18
Swissieland
 ·Cablecom Switzer..
| said by Anonymous_:LegitCheckControl.dll good working one from your Friends computer is a u need to pass WGA i do not even update anyways cause it's a waste of disk space that could be use for something else I don't mean to sound funny but.... »This is incredible, 5 second infection. 
Sounds like you want to use the space.....disk is cheap, your time and effort are likely more expensive  |
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4 edits | reply to ZOverLord
Just to add, we have had this in Norway for a long time already. Talking about the article first in this thread.
We were among the first to try it.
Nothing scary, for me anyway. 
Don't see the problem, really. 
H.Lecter
(still going) |
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Reviews:
 ·AT&T DSL Service
| reply to Mele20
said by Mele20:The Microsoft, that frankly, all the Linux and Apple fanatics always imagined was out there, plotting and planning their termination. The Microsoft that threatens Windows fans with needless legal threats rather than reaching out and creating constructive relationships with the very people who prop up the company the most.... My favorite oxymoron:
All stereotypes are wrong.
I'm writing this on OS X, and my other computer runs SuSe 10. I don't think Microsoft is evil or anything of the kind. I just think they are the McDonalds of software vendors. Tasteless, odorless, lacking everything but fat, empty calories, and loads of marketing. They are everywhere, like Windows. Well maybe not everywhere Stamping Ground is still not blighted by fast food of any kind yet. Nor is my house blighted by Windows.
As for threatening their users, that's their choice to do so. McDonalds doesn't threaten their patrons. It merely kills them slowly, turning them into overweight diabetics at risk of heart failure. Sure there's a salad or two on the menu ... even one with a spoonful of yogurt and some fruit. However, to real salad fans, they are less than appealing.
Likewise, I believe if many Windows users got a taste of Mac OS X or a good commercial Linux like SuSe 10, Mandriva, or RedHat, they would find all the functionality and more they are used to, plus better ease of use, stability, and in the case of Mac OS X, safety and security. They would find that they could still interact with their friends still using Windows by using Star Office or something similar ... or if they must, Microsoft Office for Mac. Which by the way, has features which are now available that won't be on the Windows version until the next release.
Bottom line, I see this development as bad timing. Apple now sells Intel based computers which will run Windows. When Gary Krakow, staff writer on a Microsoft joint run website, says of the new Intel based iMac "The result is the fastest version of Windows I’ve ever used. Please believe me, I’m not exaggerating. Windows XP flies on this machine.", it's a sign to me that Microsoft is blind to the fact that the competition is surging ahead full steam and is unable to catch up. Sure, they still have to install a genuine version of XP on it, and as a result will get these annoying "Big Brother" types messages which waste bandwidth and hard drive space, but lurking on the same hard drive is Mac OS X ... |
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| reply to ZOverLord
Looks like Bill's taking a page for Georgie Porgie's book,
about not losing "Nerve" on the anti-piracy fight.. but in all reality, this will lead to pirates finally "BREAKING" all WGA checks in xp and vista, the bar just gets set a little higher.. all those CD-DVD locks on securecom and starcom, etc didn't prevent dvd software from getting pirated! At first it was easier to just avoid the hurdle, but now it seems the pirates will have to blow the protections out of the water and release(s) their own "UPDATES" to the o/s. Actually, I don't think this was aim at the U.S. market or even Europe(where you'd think he'd want revenge for the new req. version of o/s without browser) No, this is really aimed at CHINA, where piracy of most intellectual property is BIG BUSINESS. As we know big business has a vested interest in keeping the software 'free' to support the money to continue to flow in.. so Um, Bill will lose again, boo hoo!
As if people haven't dissected/reverse engineered XP kernel and WGA by now 100's of times over, muahahaha... and vista will be no different! |
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| reply to confused5
Reread the article and found this:
"Earlier, Microsoft confronted people with the piracy checks when they attempted to download such add-ons. The switch to desktop alerts was introduced on PCs in Norway and Sweden in November 2005, then expanded to the Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel, Poland, and Taiwan in February. Tuesday's move is a further expansion of the trial program."
I mentioned Norway, but forgot Sweden(sorry Sweden), as the first 2 contries to get the desktop alerts 6 months ago.
HL
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NOT A GURU:
The information is provided AS IS without reponsibility for anything, including, but not limited to, the contents, typos, errors..... |
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Reviews:
·WestNet Broadband
| reply to ZOverLord
Ah the sweet nectar called "Duty of Care".
Microsoft, or Bill Gates, wanted Windows to be the main software, or OS on every computer in every house, world wide. The evolution of the "internet".
As mentioned here already they were made to update every computer, cracked version or not, "duty of care".
It just makes you think of the saying "the worm has turned". Will Microsoft build a database of "cracked OS's" and then use it in court, saying, "we gave them enough tools to check the legitimacy of the OS on their computer, it's the end user's duty of care now".
It doesn't seem too far away. |
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Reviews:
·Comcast
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·America Online
 ·Dish Network
| reply to ZOverLord
I'm always worried about Microsoft wanting to check my copies of Windows XP Home. I've had nothing but problems with them doing so.
Legal Copy - Good
Beta Tested SP1 - Good
SP1 Final - Error (requested new key, called up M$ and was given one free of cost)
Beta Tested Sp2 - Good
Sp2 Final - Error (requested new key and was given one by M$, free of charge)
Sp2 with Microsoft.com - Still remaining good, but I'm still worried & some day I fear I will not be given a new key.
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Welcome to The Internet my friend. My wife sells AVON and she delivers |
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| reply to ZOverLord
I still don't understand why M$ wants to go so far. They want to check at boot up and during the time you use the computer. Does it send the info back to M$? If so isn't that like spyware? I don't really care if they check my computer, it's a Dell and if Dell is using Pirated copies of Xp, than M$ need to deal with them not me. |
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 psicopMore human than humanPremium
join:2005-12-21
Australia | reply to ZOverLord
I wish this JUNK-FOOD IT company could make the same effort by making a strong and 100% secure (let's say 99.9%) OS.
The countdown to Linux is still running. I can't wait till it gets to 0. Goodbye M$.
G. |
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 jabarnutLight Years AwayPremium,MVM
join:2005-01-22
Galaxy M31
kudos:2 | reply to ZOverLord
I sure wish people would stop picking on my Uncle Bill.
He's just an honest working man trying as best he can to protect his investment from thieves.
Golly gee....give the poor guy a break once in a while.
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I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem. |
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 salzanExperienced OptimistPremium
join:2004-01-08
WA State | reply to Dustyn
said by Dustyn:Cool beans! I have no problems with Microsoft wanting to verify that my copy of Windows XP Home SP2 is genuine. Nothing but genuine Windows here! I have a problem with MS installing something on my computer that obviously wants to run as a service. I don't upgrade my system so they can load it up with more crap I don't need using my resources to give them a warm and fuzzy feeling.
And now I really don't trust them, to hell with them trusting me.
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A silver bullet without a gun is just a fancy rock. |
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Reviews:
 ·Verizon FiOS
| reply to ZOverLord
Here is a question for ya:
What if you have a machine that turns out was installed with a liberated MS license and how would you make it legit again (yes, you bought the full, licensed installer or have a VLA)? Can this be done without losing data (aka reformat)?
I ask this as I found a machine that is at WindowsXP Pro Sp2 and when I was given it to work on (user said that PC came from another division of defunct company...oddly it has an XP license sticker on side) I found it failed the Genuine Disadvantage Check with downloading Defender and other updates.
I may just wipe it and use our volume license but I thought there was a way to reset the current license and add a new one? Do I have to call MS and get some super-secret handshake after leaving my firstborn to them?  |
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 nilJava Geek
join:2000-11-27
kudos:1
Webmasters and Dev..
Forum Feature Requ..
| reply to Dustyn
said by Dustyn:Microsoft has every right to check. What else do they have the right to do on your pc? Does MPAA have the right to come to your house and make sure you have no illegally copied VHS tapes as well?
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Life is too short to be boring |
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1 edit | reply to ZOverLord
To those of you having problems with this last MS-check:
(I suppose you, of course, have a legit version of Windows.)
1. Don't install it. It is not mandatory.
2. If already installed, just uninstall it.
It seems popular to blaim MS whatever they do, but IMHO
this is a very "soft" way of checking that people are having legit software and not stolen software.
The goal is to prevent theft, I suppose. It has, as I said, been offered in Norway for half a year without problems AFAIK.
Edit:spelling..
HL
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NOT A GURU:
The information is provided AS IS without reponsibility for anything, including, but not limited to, the contents, typos, errors..... |
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salzanExperienced OptimistPremium
join:2004-01-08
WA State | said by confused5:1. Don't install it. It is not mandatory. How do you have the choice if it's being pushed through auto updates?
2. If already installed, just uninstall it. Does it still uninstall if it thinks you have an illegal copy? Or is this not subject to FPs?
It seems popular to blaim MS whatever they do, but IMHO
this is a very "soft" way of checking that people are having legit software and not stolen software.
Background installs through auto updates is not "soft".
MS needs to get over it. The new OS is Vista not XP. Isn't the timing a little odd to be going after the old OS users? Every time they do something like this, someone figures out a way around it and the only losers are the legit customers.
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A silver bullet without a gun is just a fancy rock. |
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 CheesePremium
join:2003-10-26
Naples, FL
kudos:1 | reply to public
said by public:said by redxii:said by HMS1:On edit: All I can think of it being intended for is to scare naive consumers who bought PCs at dodgy shops, or casual infringers who don't know what they're doing. That was the point of activation; not stop piracy but to keep casual infringers who haven't a clue what they're doing. How so?? The casual user buys a used computer at Joe Wong shop for $149. Amazingly it has WinXP professional and Office 2003 professional installed. Joe actually went into enough trouble to change the FCKGW key to something else, although still invalid. In the third world a this is the rule in 99% cases. And you honestly thing the "casual" user even knows HOW to change a key? Somehow, I doubt it. |
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 antiseriousThe Future ain't what it used to bePremium
join:2001-12-12
Scranton, PA | reply to nil
said by nil: What else do they have the right to do on your pc?
... I think that's going to be the next big concern, as vendors and 'regulators' become ever more intrusive ... it's already not your O/S, and with DRM lurking, one has to wonder - will they actually be your files, your folders, your programs ? ... will it really be your computer ? ...
... I just wonder about MS's real motives in all this, I really do ... China bootlegs thousands and thousands of O/S's a day, and we make nice with them (they have whole cities devoted to copying goods, half their country's a knock-off) ... choosing to go after the individual would seem an inefficient way to truly stop piracy when compared to the flood of bogus product flowing from overseas ... admittedly MS has less legal leverage in other countries, but will antagonizing legit users to stop a trickle really make a difference when there are rivers of bootlegs flowing elsewhere ? ...
... I've long ago shut down auto-update (I prefer to manually install their fubar's), so this isn't an issue for me, but I suspect there's more here than simply verifying legitimacy ... stay tuned ...
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... "that good old-fashioned Medicated Goo" ... |
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