Malaysian Police Not Roping Longhorn Rustlers

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Malaysian Police Not Roping Longhorn Rustlers

Posted by simoniker on Monday December 1, 2003 @06:30AM from the mechanical-bull dept.

Artifex writes "CNN/Reuters reports that an early release of Microsoft's next operating system, 'Longhorn,' is already being sold openly in markets in Malaysia, with local police doing little to stop it. Microsoft's response, of course, is that consumers should steer clear. I'm sure this chaps their hides, as crashing copies of this as-yet-unreleased product are sure to cause dilution of branding."

36 of 365 comments (clear)

It has to be said by RobertB-DC · 2003-12-01 06:31 · Score: 5, Funny

"It's not a ready product," [Microsoft attorney Jonathan Selvasegaram] said from Malaysia. "Even if it works for a while, I think it's very risky," to install on a home computer, he said.

So how does that make the pre-release "Longhorn" version any different from, say, Windows XP?

Longhorn promises new methods of storing files, tighter links to the Internet, greater security and fewer annoying reboots, Microsoft has said.

Now that's truth in adversising: New, improved Windows! Almost secure! Less annoying than ever! Wow, whoever came up with that marketing line should get a promotion... to the mail room.

(Hey, someone's going to get modded-up for taking cheap shots at Microsoft. May as well be me!)

--
Stressed? Me? Of course not. Stress is what a rubber band feels before it breaks, silly.
1. Re:It has to be said by RobertB-DC · 2003-12-01 07:30 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  It's a mod fight to see if this is flamebait or informative. It's like watching a horserace.
  
  Isn't it great? I don't think I've ever had a comment get modded all the way down to -1, Troll (~15 min after posting) and make it back up to +2, Funny (the current status). The +5 reply must have brought in some sympathetic moderators.
  
  It really makes me miss the days when you could see how many mod points had been expended on a post's behalf. I originally created my Slashdot login for the horseraces, and I love bipolar moderation!
  
  --
  Stressed? Me? Of course not. Stress is what a rubber band feels before it breaks, silly.
Malaysian Police by JahToasted · 2003-12-01 06:31 · Score: 5, Funny

are, however, cracking down on the use of bad puns.
Crashing? by Anonymous Coward · 2003-12-01 06:32 · Score: 5, Funny

I'm sure this chaps their hides, as crashing copies of this as-yet-unreleased product are sure to cause dilution of branding.

Yeah, I expect to pay for an official branded crashing product. Being able to get one for free seriously undermines their market position.
Windows is too stable for me... by Realistic_Dragon · 2003-12-01 06:32 · Score: 5, Funny

So I'm going to run a knocked off version of a pre-pre-alpha with a hacked about XP core and an experimental interface from the company with the worst QA record in the entire universe.

--
Beep beep.
1. Re:Windows is too stable for me... by Deflagro · 2003-12-01 06:40 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Yes....yes you are. If you fail to comply, you will be stuck with free software that works well and programs that are freely available and freedom of choice...umm...what was I saying?
  
  --
  Der Tod ist der einzige Weg hier raus!
2. Re:Windows is too stable for me... by Brian+Blessed · 2003-12-01 08:23 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  > from the company with the worst QA record in the entire universe.
  
  Although one of their most troublesome products runs your (non-existant) website :-)
Time for a sing along by Red+Weasel · 2003-12-01 06:34 · Score: 0, Funny

"A Pirates Life for Me"

Yo Ho Yo Ho a pirates life for me

We pillage we plunder
We rifle and loot
Drink up me hardies Yo Yo
We kidnap and ravage
And don't give a hoot
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho

(Refrain)

We extort we pilfer
We pilch and sack
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho
Marauding, embezzle
And even highjack
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho

(Refrain)

We kindle and char
Enflame and Ignite
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho
We burn up the city
We're really a fright
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho

We're rascals, scoundrels
Villains and Naives
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho
We're devils and blacksheep
Really bad eggs
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho

(Refrain)

We're beggars and blighters
Ne'erdowell cads
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho
I think we're loved
By our mommies and dads
Drink up me hardies Yo Ho

Music fades

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..which just shows that the human brain is ill-adapted for thinking and was probably designed for cooling the blood-T P
Longhorn by nizo · 2003-12-01 06:36 · Score: 5, Funny

No. 1 software firm says operating system, not due until 2005, now selling in Malaysia for $1.58.
Hey, now there is a price I might pay for Longhorn. Actually the reason M$ picked that name is to deter software pirates here in the U.S. If you steal Longhorn(s) in Texas that is still a hanging offence.

--
I Am My Own Worst Enemy
1. Re:Longhorn by grub · 2003-12-01 06:44 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  ...says operating system, not due until 2005, now selling in Malaysia for $1.58.
  
  Hey, that's $697.42 cheaper than Linux! I proclaim this the death of Linux.
  
  --
  Trolling is a art,
2. Re:Longhorn by mrtroy · 2003-12-01 06:44 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Microsoft chose the name actually, because of the rumours only steers and queers came from Redmond. They are trying to trick you into thinking M$ arent the latter of the two, as most of us thought.
  
  --
  [I can picture a world without war, without hate. I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it]
3. Re:Longhorn by Lemmeoutada+Collecti · 2003-12-01 07:14 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  In which case they are only adding eunichs to the list... as a Longhorn has typically been releived of the burden of testicles.
  
  So I guess this version of Windows Server hasn't got the balls to be in my server room.
  
  --
  
  You can have it fast, accurate, or pretty. Pick any 2.
Re:Buggy Leaks by rootofevil · 2003-12-01 06:36 · Score: 2, Funny

extremely buggy.

so then its pretty much par for the course?

i know, i know, -1 flamebait...

--
turn up the jukebox and tell me a lie
finally ... by nicodaemos · 2003-12-01 06:37 · Score: 5, Funny

Microsoft advises Malaysians to stear clear of the Windows operating system .... finally some good advice from Redmond.
Okay by iamdrscience · 2003-12-01 06:38 · Score: 5, Funny

PUN CONTEST!

Rustlers, Chaps their hide, branding and steer clear.

Are there anymore? Anybody who can think of another pun gets a "Talking about computer hardware made my mother board" t-shirt!
1. Re:Okay by Valdrax · 2003-12-01 06:56 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  You missed the "from-the-mechanical-bull-department" tagline, which I have a small beef with. I'll chip in with the observation that sales of Gateway computers have inexplicably climbed.
  
  So, do I get the shirt?
  Could I get it as a jersey instead?
  
  --
  If it's for-profit but free, you're not the customer -- you're the product (e.g., the Slashdot Beta's "audience").
2. Re:Okay by Artifex · 2003-12-01 07:50 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  *choking on my french fries :)*
  
  First person to follow my (wagon) train of thought.
  Does this mean there's not much herd mentality here, or is everyone just keeping their opinions in rein?
  
  --
  Get off my launchpad!
3. Re:Okay by Theaetetus · 2003-12-01 08:31 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Does this mean there's not much herd mentality here, or is everyone just keeping their opinions in rein?
  I don't know, Bo', 'vine as all these puns might seem, they're tough four me to stomachs.
  -T
What has more holes than a Microsoft product? by el_flynn · 2003-12-01 06:38 · Score: 4, Funny

The article mentions that "software companies were working with the authorities on the problem, but the police were more concerned about controlling pornography."

Nuff said.

--
The Wknd Sessions - Malaysian and South East Asia independent music
about $1.58 by Cap'nMike · 2003-12-01 06:39 · Score: 2, Funny

That's what I'm willing to pay for the next version of Windows. As well, the prototype Longhorn is supposedly buggy and unstable, possibly compromising your system. At least Microsoft is consistant.

--
Celebrities are like ads, if we all ignore them, they'll just go away.
Cowboy references? by worst_name_ever · 2003-12-01 06:41 · Score: 4, Funny

I'm sure this chaps their hides, as crashing copies of this as-yet-unreleased product are sure to cause dilution of branding."
What is this, Subliminal Cowboy Reference Day on Slashdot?

--

In Soviet Rush, today's Tom Sawyer gets high on you.
1. Re:Cowboy references? by Tired_Blood · 2003-12-01 07:01 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  What is this, Subliminal Cowboy Reference Day on Slashdot?
  
  They're making up for the lack of CowboyNeal options in recent polls.
  
  --
  This is not my sig.
not so sure... by theMerovingian · 2003-12-01 06:43 · Score: 3, Funny

crashing copies of this as-yet-unreleased product are sure to cause dilution of branding

Yeah, I bet they will think twice about buying burned copies of the Longhorn release version, once they see how much this one crashes.

--
"If you think you have things under control, you're not going fast enough." --Mario Andretti
You Get What You Pay For by TypeMRT · 2003-12-01 06:49 · Score: 3, Funny

Anyone who thinks $1.58 is a good deal for a pre-alpha Microsoft OS deserves that "experience"
Gimme an 'L' by Anonymous Coward · 2003-12-01 06:51 · Score: 0, Funny

Shouldn't that be:

Malaysian Porice Not Roping Ronghorn Rustrers
Re:Buggy Leaks by gl4ss · 2003-12-01 06:51 · Score: 2, Funny

well, maybe the pirates thought that "heck, ms has been doing it for years themselfs even if they don't sell this particular piece, clearly there is demand for such a product! let the cd-press lines roll!"

--
world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
Puns by Anonymous Coward · 2003-12-01 06:56 · Score: 1, Funny

Those were only two-thirds puns: P-U.
From the Article by ewhenn · 2003-12-01 07:00 · Score: 4, Funny

Longhorn promises new methods of storing files, tighter links to the Internet, greater security and fewer annoying reboots, Microsoft has said.

Fewer reboots, what a feature. I got a good laugh out of that. Imagine if GM claimed to sell you a car that would 'start more often'.
Re:My 0.02 ringgit on the issue by microcars · 2003-12-01 07:06 · Score: 4, Funny

"..Not that I am against pr0n as such, but a lot of human suffering goes into producing much of it,..."
as opposed to Windows, where a lot of human suffering goes into using it.
Do you think the Pirated version has "new" Longhorn Startup Sound in it ?
(sorry, repost, but I like it, :P )

--
I like microcars
Re:Since You Asked by value_added · 2003-12-01 07:13 · Score: 3, Funny

I didn't read the article, but it sounds like typical bullshit for the DMCA/RIAA crowd to butter up their claims that "The Steaks are High!" and "Just Cownt The Money We're Losing!", where in reality, nothing could be fodder from the truth. Or as recently herd on Slashdot ... "Moove on -- nothing to see here."

That said, I do think taking the bull by the horns and running with Longhorn is a an udderly bad idea, even in Singapore.

Should have really posted this as anonymous cow-ard instead of trying to milk this thread ...
Re:Buggy etc by Svartalf · 2003-12-01 07:19 · Score: 2, Funny

Are all the people named "Bill" guilty of IP infringement with Bill Gates?

--
I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
Re:Buggy Leaks by the+web · 2003-12-01 07:28 · Score: 5, Funny

They do NOT include WinFS, WinFX, and are extremely buggy. The release versions WILL include WinFS, WinFX, and be extremely buggy, however.

--
__
Thou hast besquirted me, O leotarded one.
Re:Buggy Leaks by Anonymous Coward · 2003-12-01 07:33 · Score: 1, Funny

and are extremely buggy

It's not like the full version isn't buggy, heh heh.
Death by Pun by HighOrbit · 2003-12-01 07:53 · Score: 4, Funny

Enough puns already! Let's put this out to pasture before we all step in it.
Re:They'll just change the name... by EvilTwinSkippy · 2003-12-01 08:12 · Score: 3, Funny

2006. My aren't you optimistic. I'd pegged it at 2008 for sure.

--
"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival."
--Dr.W.Edwards Deming
Re:Buggy Leaks by the+web · 2003-12-01 10:18 · Score: 2, Funny

HAHHA HAHAH AHHAHA you're a fucking comedian!

So...we're in agreement then. I am a comedian.

--
__
Thou hast besquirted me, O leotarded one.