Microsoft under fire over software alert

[NorthernSun]

Thousands of computer users say they are being wrongly accused by Microsoft of owning pirated software, it has emerged.

Surfers have said that a program used by Microsoft to alert customers to illegal copies of its Windows XP system has been falsely targeting them. Many say they are being forced to pay for replacement versions, despite having already spent hundreds of pounds on official products.

The download, called Windows Genuine Advantage, tracks the unique identification numbers packaged with each legitimate copy of Windows. Users found to have fake codes - or a code that has already been registered elsewhere - are encouraged to buy an official licence. Some have also claimed their computer performance becomes impaired if they do not upgrade.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/microsoft/Story/0,,1815758,00.html

[BillZBubb]

1. It's Microsoft's Genuine Advantage--screw the consumer.

If the right wing didn't control the courts, the congress, and the White House, Microsoft would be in a heap of trouble for their monopolistic activities and their bait and switch tactics. But with the Repugs running the show, they get a pass.

[Deja Q]

2. Deservedly so.

MS's activation program has led to blunders in the past; even replacing the hard drive alone can cause the damn thing to reset.

If there are many legit reasons as illegit, the procedure has to be scrapped and started anew. (why not a hardware dongle keyed to the overly long install #?)

I use Linux. So I don't care. MS people never did. Maybe they will now.

[NorthernSun]

4. Where is a good source for Linux OS?

[MrPrax]

5. Comprehensive listing here...

http://distrowatch.com/

If you notice the download rankings on the margins...

Ubuntu (dapper drake) is the most popular download as it is a very good introductory distro to Open Source. You can easily install it on a partition and then when you boot your machine -- you can choose 'where do you want it to go today?' Linux or Windows? heh...

You can get your feet wet with Linux by using a LIVE CD...many are listed here: http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

These are LIVE disks meaning that you can simply burn the .iso, load it into your CD/DVD and re-boot your computer (assuming your CMOS booting sequence still boots to CD then to HD -- if not you can change the booting priorities)...

When it boots from the disk you made, it will install an Linux O/S into memory and a virtual drive, leaving NO permanent files on your computer -- it is there you can have a look at LINUX and see if that distro or some other is the best for you. You can also use these disks as a trainer or even if you travel with your laptop, you might find some of the LIVE disks have utilities and progs specially designed for of connectivity, audit and security...among other things.

[grytpype]

7. Here's some info for you...

... there are several different "distributions," a distribution being a collection of software packages that work together, the one I am using right now is Debian.

The best way to install Debian is to download an installer program that you burn onto a CD, and then boot, which will then go over the network and install other packages you might want.

This is a link to an image file to create a Debian install CD:

http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/etch_di_beta2/i386/iso-cd/debian-testing-i386-netinst.iso

More info about Debian here:

http://www.us.debian.org/

[NorthernSun]

10. Thanks guys

I'll try it on my spare computer first.

[Recursion]

3. *shrug* Linux doesn't do this and works better nt

And don't give me that "but I have to play games" nonsense. A) most games today come out with native Linux versions B) that's what consoles are for C) Tuxracer is the best game out there, anyways.

[Liberal Veteran]

6. Linux still has some "issues" beyond games.

A) I reject your assertion that most games today come out with native Linux versions. That is simply not the case.

B) Hardware support can be difficult to non-existant (try owning a Creative Labs X-Fi card) and even some of the older models only give basic support and do little to no advanced features that the hardware is capable of.

That is not to say I don't like Linux. I like it a lot, but until it overcomes some of the hurdles in ease of use and configuration and hardware support, it will not be a suitable replacement for the novice user.

One thing Linux has made enormous strides in is installation of the OS (which not too long ago was about as easy as whistling the Star-Spangled Banner with a mouth full of crackers while standing on your head underwater).

[NoodleyAppendage]

8. Solution. TURN OFF AUTOMATIC UPDATES. F'em.

Microsoft pulls up this ominous message when the computer is started saying that your computer is vulnerable to attack, but this is complete bullsh*t and scare tactics to get you to turn on their "automatic updates" function. Turn off the "automatic updates" and Microsoft can't install the stupid CORPORATE SPYWARE.

J

[Hawkeye-X]

9. When this puter is retired from active use..

I'm planning to convert it to Linux for me to use as a NAT and anti-spam blocker.

[ikri]

11. I've seen this with OEM installations

Never with standard store-bought copies.

OEM installations (software supposed to be installed by a manufacturer) generally bypass the activation process to save time for the manufacturer. I've seen new installations of OEM versions of Windows fail the verification process when I've gone to the MS site to download updates. There are also a lot of retailers who sell OEM software to the public, who may be unaware of the differences between OEM and normal software.

[Vidar]

12. I hope Gates is more ethical in his philanthropy than his

business practices.

[MiniMe]

13. I have refused to download that update for just that reason

Although my software is all paid for, I don't want to have to pay again for their mistakes.

[drm604]

14. They tried to trick me into downloading that update.

I got a popup stating that a "high-priority" update was available. Updates labeled like that are usually done to fix security issues in order to protect the customer. When I clicked on it it gave me the usual choices:

Express: Get high-priority updates (recommended)

Custom: Select from optional and high-priority updates for Windows and other programs

"Recommended" was in bold, and the wording of the "custom" choice implies that the high-priority updates are not optional. As always, I chose "Custom". This brings up two choices. A very prominent button labeled "Download and Install Now", and the word "Details" in very light hard to see blue text against a white background. I clicked "Details". There was only 1 update:

Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
734 KB , less than 1 minute
The Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool enables you to verify that your copy of Microsoft Windows is genuine. The tool validates your Windows installation by checking Windows Product Identification and Product Activation status.

I declined to download the "high-priority" :sarcasm: update. Not because I'm using any illegal software - I'm not. I declined because I don't need one more thing bogging down my processor and taking up hard drive space while doing nothing for me. (I was also pissed at how misleading they were about this "update"). After reading your post I'm doubly happy that I didn't download it. Now they're also pushing an update to their update software which will automatically download updates. They'll be ice-skating in hell before I download that!

[magellan]

15. I couldn't figure out why this was a high-priority update

...and didn't download it. After reading this thread I'm glad I didn't! Think I'm going to give Linux a try on an extra computer we've got hanging around.

Thanks all for the info!

[alfredo]

16. That is so sleazy.