Is That Pirated Software?

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Posted by timothy on Friday September 17, 2004 @12:08PM from the why-gno-it's-gnot-it's-gnu dept.

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."

9 of 758 comments (clear)

uh oh! by Coneasfast · 2004-09-17 12:12 · 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 · 2004-09-17 12:27 · 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.
If you run it on Linux... by Black+Parrot · 2004-09-17 12:13 · Score: 5, Funny

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

--
Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
*puts tinfoil hat on* by Anonymous+Cowpat · 2004-09-17 12:15 · 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
Re:P2P Updates by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-17 12:17 · Score: 5, Funny

I know that if I wanted to update my OS I'd use some P2P app....
Re:P2P Updates by Mattintosh · 2004-09-17 12:21 · 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.
Re:P2P Updates by OneOver137 · 2004-09-17 12:56 · 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.
Re:P2P Updates by RLiegh · 2004-09-17 13:28 · 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?
Re:Goodbye moderation.... by Kent+Recal · 2004-09-17 22:17 · 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...