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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."

14 of 758 comments (clear)

  1. windows download? by essence · · Score: 3, Funny

    ..in which some visitors to the main Windows download page are being asked..

    Microsoft lets you download windows from their site now? ;-)

  2. uh oh! by Coneasfast · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.
    1. Re:uh oh! by Sponge+Bath · · Score: 5, Funny
      i'm shaking in my pirate boots!

      Mighty fine ye be looking too.
      Here's a dubloon, shake it some more.

      Arrrr... it gets lonely out at sea.

  3. If you run it on Linux... by Black+Parrot · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...will it find all your stolen SCO code?

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  4. And as the first Linux user clicks on the test... by TheDarkener · · Score: 4, Funny

    "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.
  5. *puts tinfoil hat on* by Anonymous+Cowpat · · Score: 5, Funny

    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
  6. Re:P2P Updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I know that if I wanted to update my OS I'd use some P2P app....

  7. Yes, I tried it... by Linegod · · Score: 4, Funny

    ---
    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.
    --- ...online extension to Windows... that just freaks me out...

    .

    --
    -- I care not for your foolish signatures.
  8. Re:P2P Updates by Mattintosh · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

  9. Re:Gaming? by WombatDeath · · Score: 3, Funny

    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.

  10. Jumping on the bandwagon by orzetto · · Score: 4, Funny

    CIA has created a link from their home page, saying:

    We would like to check if you're a member of Al-Quaeda. If you are Osama bin Laden, please share with us your current residence so we can address our issues. We are interested in maintaining a trust relationship with you as a customer.

    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
  11. Re:P2P Updates by OneOver137 · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

  12. Re:P2P Updates by RLiegh · · Score: 5, Funny
    I know that if I wanted to update my OS I'd use some P2P app....


    Hey, if it's good enough for you to get your OS there in the first place...why not?
  13. Re:Goodbye moderation.... by Kent+Recal · · Score: 5, Funny

    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...