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MS To Limit Security Fixes to Legal Copies of Windows
rufey writes "An Associated Press artcile on MSNBC is reporting that Microsoft is going to start restricting access to security updates from pirated copies of its Windows operating systems. Starting in mid 2005, if you have a pirated copy of Windows, the only way to obtain security updates will be through the automatic updates mechanism. And even that method may be restricted at a future date. The article is light on details about what versions of Windows this will affect. Parts of the system to check for a valid copy of Windows is already used when downloading software (such as Media Player) from Microsoft - except that validation is currently optional." EnderWigginsXenocide points out Reuters' version of the story.
MS To Limit Security Fixes to Legal Copies of Windows
Or, maybe, how 'bout:
MS To Limit Security Holes to Legal Copies of Windows. That would make most people's installs pretty solid....
"All great things are simple & expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." --Churchill
Newegg has copies of XP pro for about $150.00 with the purchase of any hardware, which is a far cry from their $300.00 MSRP.
Or you can use your MSDN OS License from work...:)
-- Scientist: You aren't going to leave me here, are you? Boagh! Thump...
Jobs' macmini is looking better by the minute...
Given the way SP2 foobared my XP, I wonder if there is a way to un-register my copy to take advantage of this feature.
Take stuff from work. It's the best way to feel better about your job. Never buy pens or pencils or paper. Take 'em from work. Rubber bands, paper clips, memo pads, folders - take 'em from work. It's the best way to feel better about your low pay and appalling working conditions.
Take an ashtray--they got plenty. Take coat hangers. Take a--take a trash can. Why buy a file cabinet? Why buy a phone? Why buy a personal computer or word processor? Take 'em from work.
I took a whole desk from the last place I worked. They never noticed and it looks great in my apartment. Take an electric pencil sharpener. Take a case of white-out; you might need it one day. It's your duty as an oppressed worker to steal from you exploiters. Take stuff from work. And fuck off on the company time. I wrote this at work. They're paying me to write about stuff I steal from them.
Life is good.
Thank you John S. Hall.
In a related story, the IRS has recently ruled that the cost of Windows upgrades can NOT be deducted as a gambling loss.
Short term:
* users of those systems wont notice
* a lot more DoS, virus spreading
Middle term:
* users of those systems notice, start wondering at their needs and options
* slight decrease of DoS, virus spreading
Long term:
* users of those systems either buy a copy of Windows if they can afford it, but many switch to Linux
* gaming options improves on Linux
* stabilisation of DoS, virus spreading
Very long term:
* more gamers switch to Linux, as it becomes a viable option and does not require them to buy Longhorn.
Eventually:
* Microsoft regrets taking this steps, after Linux becomes predominants amongst youngsters.
* Phenomenon is accentuated when ex-youngsters/new-graduates introduce their in-depth Linux experience into the even most monolithic companies
Optimistic? Me?
> Newegg has copies of XP pro for about $150.00 with the purchase of any hardware, which is a far cry from their $300.00 MSRP
That's nothing. A copy of XP pro here in China cost 5rmb (50 UScents).
*very softly* psst. yo. yeah you. *wave hand* over here. quick. *put hands up to ear*
DON'T GIVE THEM ANY F***ING IDEAS!!!
If they can't be bothered to pay for their support, they can switch to a "free" operating system with maintainers that give "free" patches to their "free" bugs and "free" vulnerabilities.
It would sure make my job easier as a consultant. If I had a license fee's worth for every pirated installation of Windows XP I've refused to support... "OK I need to replace this file, where's your XP CD-ROM?" "What XP CD-ROM?"
Use Evolution instead of Outlook? Bewa
Of course, I do run my own business so you may have some more problems.....
"Physics is to math as sex is to masturbation." -R. Feynman
What??! You'll give money to Microsoft?!! ...but...but...it's supposed to be free! You're supposed to use a crappy OS that everyone can pick apart and spend hours configuring it to open something stupid such as Xwindows or Ksomething...don't you like to configure configure configure???
Slashdot News: As serious as a busted rubber
Microsoft: What is your name!
Me: Stephen
Microsoft: What is yur quest!
Me: I seek the Security Patches!
Microsoft: What is your product Key?
Me: Uh, I don't know that Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
If religous zealots don't believe in Evolution, then why are they so worried about bird flu?
Can you please tell me how you managed to say this and get modded up to +4 insightful? Every time I mention that Linux just isn't ready for the desktop I get the hell flamed out of me.
/.
I don't understand
These posts express my own personal views, not those of my employer