Microsoft Plans Restrictions on Fixes

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Originally Posted by Yahoo! News

Microsoft Corp. plans to severely curtail the ways in which people running pirated copies of its dominant Windows operating system can receive software updates, including security fixes.

The new authentication system, announced Tuesday and due to arrive by midyear, will still allow people with pirated copies of Windows to obtain security fixes, but their options will be limited. The move allows Microsoft to use one of its sharpest weapons — access to security patches that can prevent viruses, worms and other crippling attacks — to thwart a costly and meddlesome piracy problem.

But some security experts said the crackdown also could increase Internet security problems in general, if there is a spike in unsecured computers open to attack, which then could be used to attack others.

David Lazar, a director of the effort, said Microsoft would monitor that potential problem closely. But the company actually considers its authentication requirement one possible way to boost Internet security — countering the idea it may increase threats. That's because pirated copies of Windows could contain viruses or other security threats, he said.

Over the next few months, the software behemoth will begin to more broadly adopt the program, called Windows Genuine Advantage, that urges users to provide proof their Windows copy is authentic before receiving some software updates.

By mid-2005, the program will become mandatory for Windows users to get virtually all updates, including security fixes available through the company's Windows Update Web site. But users who have pirated copies of Windows will be able to continue to get security fixes if they sign up to automatically receive security updates.

Russ Cooper, a senior scientist with Cybertrust Inc., said completely cutting off access to security fixes for pirated machines could cause a spike in malicious, Internet-based attacks. He lauded Microsoft for mitigating that problem by continuing to allow all users to get the automatic updates, regardless of whether they're running pirated versions.

Still, Cooper said he expected Microsoft to eventually cut off that security update avenue for pirated copies. He said the company may feel it has few other options as it tries to stop the millions of users who are running pirated copes of Windows.

The operating system is one of the company's major cash cows, and the move comes as Microsoft is moving aggressively into emerging markets where piracy is thought to be more common.

"The reality is that shareholders of Microsoft would like to see them get all the money they are owed," Cooper said.

Microsoft said the company has no current plans to require users running automatic updates to provide proof that their copies of Windows are genuine.

Lazar said piracy has cost the Redmond-based company "billions of dollars over the past 10 years," but he would not be more specific.

"Our desire is to enhance the value of genuine Windows, to create a differentiation (and) to add more value in the form of greater security and reliability," Lazar said.

Customers who visit the manual Windows Update site will be asked to prove that their copies of Windows are legitimate by allowing Microsoft's system to automatically run a check, or by providing a product identification number. Users who have lost that number will be asked three basic questions, and if they are deemed to be acting in good faith they will be given a free replacement key.

The company also said it will begin providing discounted versions of Windows to users in China, Norway and the Czech Republic who discover they have a counterfeit version of Windows XP (news - web sites).

Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group, is expecting the more stringent authentication system to be successful, as Internet attacks become ever more sophisticated and users with pirated copies of Windows become helpless to stop them.

"It will create an environment where the pirated machines, if they're connected to the Internet, won't really work," he said.

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Man...Microsoft is stupid. Oh well, I ain't worried. :01:

no microsoft are not stupid. why do they get the blame for not supporting people who have not paid them for it.

blame the pirates for not paying for their software. hell linux is now a viable alternative and is completley free.

I have no sympathy for people who can't afford the latest version of windows. what the hell are they doing with a pc in the first place.

I was reading something on zed net too. Scary stuff if you don't know what your doing . Wonder how many idiots installed that and ran it? :wacko:

Anouther good reason children , to only use Xp pro corp. :)

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Originally Posted by 4play

I have no sympathy for people who can't afford the latest version of windows.

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Alright...you give me $150 to go out and buy Windows XP, and I'll do it. :dry: Sorry, but not all of us are loaded enough to go out and splurge for a company that already has billions.

@imartin but you are loaded enough to be able to afford a monthly fee for the internet. there are free alternatives out there(linux). dont winge about it being too expensive get a cheaper alternative or get a pirated version which you cant update the choice is yours.

Who says you can't update ? I was one of the idiots who ran the program for a chuckle . Didn't have a problem . And with Key generators out there, you should n't either . When those scum bags release an O/S that the masses can afford , I'll buy it. Last time I looked on here it was Filesharing ! :P

stopping pirates getting security updates is not gonna start to mid 2005 according to
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6868504/

I share files as much as the next man/woman but i also give credit where its due. microsoft have made a very good operating system and deserve some recompence for it.

I buy cds, tickets for bands i think deserve it. cinema tickets for films i have watched already at home because i know its worth it. I buy software where a free alternative is not available. i like to try before i buy and thats what filesharing lets you do. so microsoft is going to kill your free ride thats tuff luck.

@4play , Fair enought I do understand your point . I just think were being gouged for it. As a matter of fact, I consider myself a Microsoft Beta tester what with the shit I'v had to endure since WIN 95 . :lol:

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Originally Posted by 4play

microsoft have made a very good operating system and deserve some recompence for it.

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Yes...because $150 is going to matter so much to a company who holds billions.

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Originally Posted by 4play

but you are loaded enough to be able to afford a monthly fee for the internet

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Whoopy-dee-doo, a whole $20/month for internet. Not to metion I also have to pay for my cell phone $45/month, gas in my car $15/week. It all adds up. I could give a flying fuck about poor, poor Bill Gates. :dry:

hell i beta tested dos for these bar stewards i think i deserve free updates on any pirate versions of windows i throw at them but its not gonna happen. :-(

Im wondering how long this policy lasts before people rip microsoft to shreads for making an operating system full of holes. Im guessing the bloody nose pr wise they get from this is gonna kill this policy within a month or 2 when the next blaster comes out.

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Originally Posted by iMartin

Yes...because $150 is going to matter so much to a company who holds billions.



Whoopy-dee-doo, a whole $20/month for internet. Not to metion I also have to pay for my cell phone $45/month, gas in my car $15/week. It all adds up. I could give a flying fuck about poor, poor Bill Gates. :dry:

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sorry for the double post but hey shit happens.

is $150 alot to pay for software you use from the second you switch your pc on till the time you switch it off. is $150 alot to pay for the millions of lines of code people had to sit there and write to get this operating sytem up and running.

looks like you are gonna have to use your mobile phone less to be able to afford a proper copy of windows in a few months.

bill gates probably don't need the extra but he just pledged $750 million to help children all around the world so show some respect to the fella.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...0334&printer=1

I agree with 4play's points but...
I'm still not buying another single peice of software ever again. :P

rossco == hte linux geek

good on you son :01:

I don't like linux. :lol:
Well I do I guess, but I'm very fortunate for how microsoft has made Windows so easy to use. (well, imo anyway).
Still not paying for it though. And I still don't like microsoft. ;)

There are ways to protect your setup other than Windows Update.

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

There are ways to protect your setup other than Windows Update.

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Well I guess if it really came down to that, you could DL to a clean computer? Then share the fix. Is that what you mean VB ?

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Originally Posted by peat moss

Well I guess if it really came down to that, you could DL to a clean computer? Then share the fix. Is that what you mean VB ?

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he probably means that you don't need the windows updates, they're more for insecure pcs with no firewall or anything like that.
And stupid users.

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Originally Posted by 4play

looks like you are gonna have to use your mobile phone less to be able to afford a proper copy of windows in a few months

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:lol: :lol: :lol: Hahahahaha...whoa...good one, really got my side hurting on that one :lol: :lol: :lol:

Just a thought then its bed time for Bonzo . What about a multi-computer household? I have three ! Maybe if they offered a reasonably priced home group license, people would not be so inclined to steal. There is no reason why it should cost $200+ for only one computer.

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Originally Posted by peat moss

Maybe if they offered a reasonably priced home group license, people would not be so inclined to steal. There is no reason why it should cost $200+ for only one computer.

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It's Microsoft, do you really think they care about us? As long as they get their money, then it's all good for them

I SAY BOYCOTT THEM RICH SONS OF BI*CHES! (censoring doesn't really help =\)

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Originally Posted by Shiranai_Baka

I SAY BOYCOTT THEM RICH SONS OF BI*CHES! (censoring doesn't really help =\)

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you have to be joking. microsoft could charge £1000 for their software and people would still pay it because they are now locked into using it.

you play games on your new pc you have to use windows. linux games are scarce and decent video card drivers are even rarer.

Meh I don't care I don't trust MS to protect my puter anyways. I'll do that myself... Even if they do limit updates you can get updates from a non official source...

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Originally Posted by Shiranai_Baka

I SAY BOYCOTT THEM RICH SONS OF BI*CHES! (censoring doesn't really help =\)

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If you did actually buy the software you don`t have anything to worry about really and I hear that a keygen'ed key will work with the new authentication system.

meh i don't update anyways

you ungrateful bar stewards.


i for one am incredibly grateful that although they could easily disable my windows at any time and still be in the right, they turn a blind eye.

i'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you microsoft

I think some people are forgetting it's not as cheap to get an OS than it is in the US.

I think you need to start checking the UK prices to find out exactly how much we have to pay for it. You'll get a shock.

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Originally Posted by freak

Meh I don't care I don't trust MS to protect my puter anyways. I'll do that myself... Even if they do limit updates you can get updates from a non official source...

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:ohmy: there's an idea.
Why has no one ever setup a better windows update website, or external program for this?

xp home retail is £160. i think oem is about £60

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Originally Posted by rossco_2004

:ohmy: there's an idea.
Why has no one ever setup a better windows update website, or external program for this?

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getting security updates from a 3rd party is proabably a pretty bad idea.

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Originally Posted by rossco_2004

:ohmy: there's an idea.
Why has no one ever setup a better windows update website, or external program for this?

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ummm....
because M$ will shut em down or sue em? :lol:
nah j/k...snapfiles offers some M$ updates i think, havent looked in a while :unsure:
but just service packs and such (or i coulda just imagined it, who knows?) :P

either way, its like you or VB said i think, most updates (including SP2)...
are for ppl that dont know how to secure their own pc
so it doesnt bug me that they'll start verification for updates
i dont need em :P
they were nice to have while they were there, but i'll live w/o em
i still aint buying it, i'm building me a $1500+ pc in a few months
but still aint paying for software....fuck that :lol:

and you gotta hand it to M$, theyre just protecting their property
because they KNOW about the piracy, but arent doing much about it
theyre just saying "heres a reward for ppl that actually BOUGHT our software"

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Originally Posted by iMartin

Man...Microsoft is stupid. Oh well, I ain't worried. :01:

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What's stupid about MS? That won't auto-update pirated software?

You sound like an MS hater but yet you still use Windows.

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Originally Posted by Busyman

What's stupid about MS? That won't auto-update pirated software?

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But some security experts said the crackdown also could increase Internet security problems in general, if there is a spike in unsecured computers open to attack, which then could be used to attack others.

Can you not read?

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Originally Posted by Busyman

You sound like an MS hater but yet you still use Windows.

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Windows is the only thing I can get my hands on. And I am not the only one in my house that uses this computer, and I'm the only one smart enough to operate Linux/Mac/Lindows/AnythingElse.

Anything else you wish to fire my way?

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Originally Posted by iMartin

But some security experts said the crackdown also could increase Internet security problems in general, if there is a spike in unsecured computers open to attack, which then could be used to attack others.

Can you not read?

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can you please explain to me how microsoft should be held responsible for people who either have not paid them so are illegally using their software or are not tech savvy enough to setup a firewall/use safe computer practices.

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Windows is the only thing I can get my hands on. And I am not the only one in my house that uses this computer, and I'm the only one smart enough to operate Linux/Mac/Lindows/AnythingElse.

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linux can be downloaded for free, bought for the price of the cds or off the front cover of a $5 computer mag. i cant get my hands on it is a terrible excuse.

true that it would be a pain converting you family to use it but hey it will save you the $179 for a legit copy.

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Originally Posted by iMartin

and I'm the only one smart enough to operate Linux/Mac/Lindows/AnythingElse.

Anything else you wish to fire my way?

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really? hmmm....
then if youre SO smart....
install linux with a GUI and SHOW them how to use it ;)

but that doesnt sound like the real issue here to me... :whistling

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Originally Posted by iMartin

But some security experts said the crackdown also could increase Internet security problems in general, if there is a spike in unsecured computers open to attack, which then could be used to attack others.

Can you not read?



Windows is the only thing I can get my hands on. And I am not the only one in my house that uses this computer, and I'm the only one smart enough to operate Linux/Mac/Lindows/AnythingElse.

Anything else you wish to fire my way?

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Oh yeah I read it and still think that offering auto-updates to pirated software is idiotic. Real customers get the vaccines, pirates will die.
I suppose Norton should give a free subscription to it's anti-virus as well. :dry:

Many people don't update properly anyway.

As far as MS hating, it seems the younger generation haven't a clue of what computing was like before and then now.
You actually sound dumb for blaming MS for you having to splurge for their software.......because they have billions. :blink:

All of a sudden MS is the consumers enemy and not the competitor's.

I can understand Micorsoft for wanting to stop piracy of their OS.

But why don't they sell an upgrade from an older version say 98 or ME to XP cheaper than buying a full new version ! At presnet it is the other way round and Upgrade is dearer than the full version !

At the moment the only advantage to buying a upgrade version is that you can keep all of your programs. But I think its best to reformat your drive and do clean re-install.

Regards
Digby
NZ

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Originally Posted by digmen1

I can understand Micorsoft for wanting to stop piracy of their OS.

But why don't they sell an upgrade from an older version say 98 or ME to XP cheaper than buying a full new version ! At presnet it is the other way round and Upgrade is dearer than the full version !

At the moment the only advantage to buying a upgrade version is that you can keep all of your programs. But I think its best to reformat your drive and do clean re-install.

Regards
Digby
NZ

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They make the full version cheaper because it is just that...full version.
To install the upgrade version you can still do a clean install and get everything you would form the normal version, but you have to insert a windows ME or 98 or whatever other OS CD before it allows you to install, just to make sure you actually bought an OS before.
the full version is still able to perform an "upgrade" to windows 98 or me (not that I'd recomend doing that, it almost always has bugs).

I actually own my copy of XP home edition. I bought the upgrade disc, so if i had to do a clean install, it just asked for an older version to confirm upgrade, so i would just pop in my win 98 disc, and away we go. The upgrade disc was 100 bucks cheaper. ........but i use Xp pro :shifty:
I agree with MS wanting to protect their software, and if I had the money I would go buy XP pro, just to eliminate the possibility of having an OS problem, but i need to buy beer and pay for broadband so I can get more free stuff. :P

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Originally Posted by Mïcrösöül°V³

but i need to buy beer and pay for broadband so I can get more free stuff. :P

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:lol:

hey, yeah, i was gonna say...
i always thought the upgrade disc was cheaper :unsure:
like 99 bucks for upgrade, 199 for full version, something like that :huh: