Xbox Auto-Update Blocks Linux Usage

Posted by timothy on Monday September 15, 2003 @03:49PM from the how-conveeenient dept.

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."

2 of 702 comments (clear)

Vole? by R33MSpec · 2003-09-15 15:58 · 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 :)
Re:What am I missing here? by Anonymous Coward · 2003-09-15 16:43 · 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.