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Is That Pirated Software?
underpar writes "According to this ZDNet.com article, Microsoft 'has launched a pilot program in which some visitors to the main Windows download page are being asked to let the software maker check to see whether their copy of the operating system is licensed.' The check is not required, but after the desired 20,000 users go through the program they might change their tune."
Would you like my name and address and a signed confession before I can get this security patch?
..in which some visitors to the main Windows download page are being asked..
;-)
Microsoft lets you download windows from their site now?
Those whose copies are found not to be genuine will be encouraged to go back to the company from whom they bought the PC or software upgrade. They'll also be given other information on obtaining genuine software before being allowed to download whatever software they were seeking. In its current form, the program offers no particular benefit for those who are running licensed software.
oooooh, i'm shaking in my pirate boots!
Marge, get me your address book, 4 beers, and my conversation hat.
...will it find all your stolen SCO code?
Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
"You are not running a Windows operating system. Therefore, you are a pirate. Please click [Ok] to send us money anyway."
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
You mean they haven't been doing this since the birth of ActiveX anyway?
Well well well, you learn something new everyday, my respect-o-meter for Microsoft has just gone up a tiny fraction.
Oh, wait, they're doing it now, back down it goes...
FGD 135
I know that if I wanted to update my OS I'd use some P2P app....
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...online extension to Windows... that just freaks me out...
Thank you for your interest in Windows Update
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you get the most out of your computer.
You must be running a Microsoft Windows operating system in order to use Windows Update.
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-- I care not for your foolish signatures.
If I were installing an OS for a grandmother, I'd sure as hell not be installing XP. Maybe 2000. Maybe. With any luck, I'd be guiding them through "installing" a power cord on a new iMac and telling them where to find the power button.
I think the "p2p update for Windows" is otherwise known as the "Fedora DVD torrent," but that's just my personal opinion ;p
I buy bespoke games lovingly hand-woven (using the finest traditional materials) by master craftsmen in a remote Peruvian mountain village. Rather than a jewel case, each CD is delivered dangling from the nipple of a Burmese virgin.
Really, though: a typical new game will cost me £30. I can get XP Home (OEM) from Scan for £60.
haha, half the geeks?
99% of the developers?
its easy to come up with numbers when you just pull them out of your ass.
CIA has created a link from their home page, saying:
Internal sources indicate that the program will be made mandatory sometime during the next months.
Victims of 9/11: <3000. Traffic in the US: >30,000/y
And yet, if I asked a random girl "Is what you're carrying real?" I'd get slapped or worse.
With any luck, I'd be guiding them through "installing" a power cord on a new iMac and telling them where to find the power button.
You should call Steve with that one for the next commercial!
I'm really hoping to do this with my mom and in-laws. Both are due for a new computer and I'll be recommending a Mac. Windows is great for enterprise, but not for for those who have trouble understanding how the microwave works.
Hey, if it's good enough for you to get your OS there in the first place...why not?
I don't know whats going on, but when I tried to update from http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com I got this message:
Thank you for your interest in Windows Update
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you get the most out of your computer.
You must be running a Microsoft Windows operating system in order to use Windows Update.
Or maybe it's just something to do with the Apple in my top left hand corner of my screen instead of the start button in the bottom left corner... *coughs*
Sounds like the second picture in a drive-in double-feature. Microsoft: King of Piracy!
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"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
so, following your reasoning, is it kosher to have a non-legitimate copy of "Pirates of Silicon Valley" on my hard-drive? ;)
ok, so when is the OS X comming to the x86?
I want to see someone run it in WINE.
"I'm sorry, we have no idea what is going on. Chances are, something is pirated. Please go here to purchase something legally."
I get all my updates from personal e-mail from the good people at Microsoft. On the downside, I can verify a significant reduction in speed after installing every single one of them... :( :P
...appears to be valid!
;)
Um, I generated it myself.
Way to go Microsoft! I'm glad you guys are hot on the trail of pirates like myself!
the entire Microsoft organisation (which undoubtedly employs some of the world's finest software engineers and quality assurance experts)
What ever happened to judging people by their results...