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Xbox Auto-Update Blocks Linux Usage

An anonymous reader writes "According to The Inquirer, Microsoft has used their Xbox Live Vole System to patch any Xboxes that access it....without asking their permission before installing the software. However, in this occurrence, the bug appears to be the 'dashboard bug' that allows Linux to be easily installed on an Xbox. Further, according to The Xbox Linux Project, users who do not have an Xbox Live account may find themselves being patched without permission as well. If a gamer tries to access any part of a game that uses Xbox Live, the console can 'phone home' and install the patches anyway. While patching bugs can be a nice touch to poor software, I don't know if I feel comfortable with ANYONE installing software on my hardware without asking permission first."

11 of 702 comments (clear)

  1. what? by domninus.DDR · · Score: 1, Funny

    While patching bugs can be a nice touch to poor software, I don't know if I feel comfortable with ANYONE installing software on my hardware without asking permission first

    It's not your hardware buddy.

    1. Re:what? by You're+All+Wrong · · Score: 2, Funny

      It's not his machine - I refer the honourable gentleman to number two of Microsoft's "immutable laws of security":

      Law #2: If a bad guy can alter the operating system on your computer, its not your computer anymore.

      YAW.

      --
      Your head of state is a corrupt weasel, I hope you're happy.
  2. Re:Any serious Linux users... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    You don't even need Live installed to have the automated sodomy happen to you.

  3. Vole? by R33MSpec · · Score: 5, Funny

    "...Xbox Live Vole System..."

    Definition of 'Vole':

    (1) any of numerous small rodents of the genus Microtus and related genera, mostly of Eurasia and North America and having a stocky body, short tail, and inconspicuous ears: family Cricetidae.

    (2)(in some card games, such as ecarte) the taking of all the tricks in a deal, thus scoring extra points.

    I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions :)

  4. Re:Patches on the game! by ameoba · · Score: 2, Funny

    PRIOR ART ...get a lawyer now.

    --
    my sig's at the bottom of the page.
  5. Re:Patches on the game! by giminy · · Score: 2, Funny

    That only covers him if microsoft patents the idea. What he needs to do is patent it first, and, er, cockblock microsoft.

    --
    The Right Reverend K. Reid Wightman,
  6. Re:What am I missing here? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    f someone didn't have an XBOX Live account, why the HELL would they have an ethernet cable jacked into their box with a connection to the outside world?

    Because like most linux users they are using it to host child pornography and hacking software, run an open relay for spammers, and allow al-qaeda operatives to coordinate their terrorist attacks. Can't do any of that without a network connection.

  7. Microsoft fixes a buffer overflow bug... by whoda · · Score: 2, Funny

    and you guys STILL find a way to bitch.

  8. Re: Microsoft owns it? by Narcissus · · Score: 4, Funny

    If 99.9% of the users wouldn't notice it because they don't run Linux, then now we have 99.9% of the users having code installed that is not necessary but for 0.1% of the users.

    What are MS thinking? They're not exactly known for their bug-free bug fixes. What if something goes wrong here? Is the risk really worth it to stop such a minority of X-Box owners?

  9. Re:Groundbreaking suggestion by Vengeance_au · · Score: 4, Funny

    But every once in a while, a great game such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic will come along, and be available only for Xbox...and I begin to reconsider.

    Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Consume you, it will.

    ... that being said, I got one ;)

  10. Re:Groundbreaking suggestion by fanpoe · · Score: 3, Funny

    PC's are dirt cheap! I would say 800 - 1000 for a nice PC with tons of ram and a Geforce4 128 meg card

    I don't know where you are buying your dirt but, trust me, you are being ripped off!