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Microsoft Security Updates for Pirated Windows?

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the recalls-for-stolen-cars dept.

zachlipton writes "DSL Reports has an interesting question posted: should users with pirated copies of Windows be allowed to download security updates, such as for Sasser? Apparently, without a valid CD key, users cannot download these updates. Do they get what they deserve, or should they be allowed these updates through Windows Update in order to reduce the impact of these worms on the rest of the net? Should security updates only for worms be made available to pirated users, or also updates for issues that while not posing a risk to other internet users, would open the pirate up to a security hole?"

7 of 1,096 comments (clear)

  1. Its all good anyway by Mastadex · · Score: 1, Redundant

    because if they dont let me patch my OS, ill bring down the rest of the world's infastructure with me!!

    Mwaahahahhaha!

    why i laugh?

    --
    A morning without coffee is like something without something else.
  2. Yes. Let them download. by cableshaft · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Yes, they should allow pirated copies to download the security updates. They'll just be turned into proxy servers to launch further attacks if they don't, and considering hackers are starting to target Microsoft's servers itself now with these proxies, I'd think it'd be in their best interests overall.

    Besides, if I owned Microsoft I wouldn't really want to give these people yet another reason to switch over to Linux.

    --
    Creator of the popular web game Proximity
  3. Re:What about MSDN windows by Lehk228 · · Score: 1, Redundant

    MSDN comes with a 10 site license Key

    --
    Snowden and Manning are heroes.
  4. Re:What about MSDN windows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Yes they do... or rather you can get one through your MSDN subscribtion on the Microsoft website (presumably you've got an MSDN subscription if you're getting an MSDN version of Windows XP :) ). You just go there, tick the box for Windows XP and click request key. Your MSDN subscription then gets a product key for that product. I'm staring at the page right now.

    Sorry to burst your bubble.

  5. Re:Yes we should all pay for this too by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

    just use P2P.

  6. Lemme get this straight by blair1q · · Score: 0, Redundant

    When did Your Rights Online become Your Rights to Steal Stuff Online?

  7. Wow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Interesting cultural phenomenon going on here with you comp geeks.

    The world will work just fine (wars, animosity against other nations, hegemonies, etc.) without M$ dominance.