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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."
Damn...too bad their desktop OS's aren't as concerned about security. I guess they don't have a bad business model there, just bad practices so they don't need to circle the wagons as tight.
The xbox is not a home computer, it is a video game device. It was not meant to be used as a home computer. Microsoft gives people no rights to modify it and use it as a linux box. Getting past the aspects of the xbox that blocks linux use is of a questionable legality (with the DMCA) anyway.
Microsoft loses money on each xbox sale, and they are not meant to be used as a home PC. So basically, quit whining, and buy a real computer if you want to run linux.
GoatPigSheep, the 3 most important food groups
Only if you quit whining about people whining about people whining.
And while you're at it, mind if you get out from behind the AC mask?
I'm the guy with the unpopular opinion
Does this mean that I can't use my X-BOX to share MP3's with 12 year old girls? I know, I know ... Score: 1 Offtopic ...
Just seems that every other story of late is about the RIAA and file swapping.
Yes. There's an EULA you have to agree to that appears when you first power on your Xbox.
I suppose if you modded it beforehand, so that the dashboard never ran, you'd be in the clear legally, but then you'd have no legal license to the firmware.