Well from what I gather candidate numbers are indeed done on the basis of surname, so in theory combined with the centre number it could be possible to identify a candidate.
In addition, each candidate is given another identifier called a UCI (which really is random), but does contain the centre and candidate numbers which probably makes identification easier. And then we have ULNs too for new entrants to secondary school.
But its all a bit of a moot point, I dont think the markers see these details any more, with the scanning and onscreen marking that is done these days, they probably just get one huge load of question 5 answers to tick.
There are already sites picking through it (such as http://www.wheredoesmymoneygo.org/ and quite a few surprising entries have already cropped up, such as the massive amount Capita got, but you actually have to know what you want to look for if your going to find anything meaningful.
This stuff is absolute rubbish for a number of reasons.
1. Note how his site is new. Also note how he doesn't say where his information comes from. Sure it's exclusive, but where is the "A source in Microsoft which I can not mention" or "According to a leaked e-mail" etc.
2. Microsoft are scared of breaking compatibility too much. And rightly so, as we noticed with even a few apps not working or not working perfectly under Vista, people are up in arms (and I am referring here to genuine problems, not people just moaning without evidence or just trolling).
3. A complete redesign of Windows breaking everything will kill it, at least in newer developments. Developers will get tired because they want something that works on all modern versions of Windows, without redeveloping it for each version (though.net should help in this respect). Users and businesses want it to Just Work.
Is it worth the time?
I do. I am writing this post on a Vista machine, which I find a lot more stable and better built than XP used to be on this box (XP feels like a empty shell in comparison, metaphorically)
The EULA for the tool comes under a supplimental licence agreement.
Interestingly every security update comes with a supplimental EULA.
Plus Microsoft has also said themself that you must have a legal copy of Windows in order to install their product. By installing and activating Windows you agree that you are running a legal copy and Microsoft may perform any ammount of checks as required to valiate this and to ensure you are not violating the EULA.
Here is what MS say about legal copies relating to activation:
There are technological measures in
this Software that are designed to prevent unlicensed use of
the Software. Microsoft will use those measures to confirm
you have a legally licensed copy of the Software. If you are
not using a licensed copy of the Software, you are not allowed
to install the Software or future Software updates.
And to web services and data collection.
6. CONSENT TO USE OF DATA. You agree that
Microsoft and its affiliates may collect and use technical
information gathered as part of the product support
services provided to you, if any, related to the Software.
Microsoft may use this information solely to improve our
products or to provide customized services or technologies
to you and will not disclose this information in a form
that personally identifies you.
8. ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE/SERVICES. This EULA
applies to updates, supplements, add-on components,
or Internet-based services components, of the Software
that Microsoft may provide to you or make available to you
after the date you obtain your initial copy of the
Software, unless we provide other terms along with the
update, supplement, add-on component, or Internet-based
services component. Microsoft reserves the right to
discontinue any Internet-based services provided to you or
made available to you through the use of the Software.
I have been a VB programmer since 3.0 for Windows. Recently I have learnt C# and knowing VB.NET does help. I have to say though that.NET is a waste of time and money as the programs it creates are huge and memory hungry. VB6 apps are a lot lighter but you dont have a common runtime.
If you want to learn C# from VB.NET I would reccomend downloading c# express and registering it so you can get Visual C# 2005 Build a program now. Its a great book to help you transition.
I think the reason that MS got rid of the VB interface in MSAS and turned into C for Defender because of modularity which is a bit contradictory to all of the flying boxes on the visual basic box.
Windows Live ID now.
Its a good thing that XP was never released as Microsoft Windows.NET or we would have a bit of trouble now with the online parts of.NET being phazed out.
The FSF is just causing more trouble than its worth. GPL v3 and now this. I can tell you that I have already ditched the FSF. All my apps are now MPL. I think the Linux Kernel should do the same. Possibly not the MPL but it should still abandon the FSF. I have to say that if ATI don't want to open source cause of legal issues then why are the FSF forcing them to. The only outcome I can see with ATI on this is to leave Linux and let the X programmers write drivers which is seriously going to impact the community. If the FSF carries on like this prepair for a Linux monopoly. If the FSF is so hard on OSS drivers why dont they pay a visit to Broadcom. Will someone please get Linux off the GPL? Please!
Just my two cents.
Slashdot Mirror
Well from what I gather candidate numbers are indeed done on the basis of surname, so in theory combined with the centre number it could be possible to identify a candidate. In addition, each candidate is given another identifier called a UCI (which really is random), but does contain the centre and candidate numbers which probably makes identification easier. And then we have ULNs too for new entrants to secondary school. But its all a bit of a moot point, I dont think the markers see these details any more, with the scanning and onscreen marking that is done these days, they probably just get one huge load of question 5 answers to tick.
There are already sites picking through it (such as http://www.wheredoesmymoneygo.org/ and quite a few surprising entries have already cropped up, such as the massive amount Capita got, but you actually have to know what you want to look for if your going to find anything meaningful.
Bill Gates said A new version in relation to Vista Vista SP2?
This stuff is absolute rubbish for a number of reasons. 1. Note how his site is new. Also note how he doesn't say where his information comes from. Sure it's exclusive, but where is the "A source in Microsoft which I can not mention" or "According to a leaked e-mail" etc. 2. Microsoft are scared of breaking compatibility too much. And rightly so, as we noticed with even a few apps not working or not working perfectly under Vista, people are up in arms (and I am referring here to genuine problems, not people just moaning without evidence or just trolling). 3. A complete redesign of Windows breaking everything will kill it, at least in newer developments. Developers will get tired because they want something that works on all modern versions of Windows, without redeveloping it for each version (though .net should help in this respect). Users and businesses want it to Just Work.
Is it worth the time?
I do. I am writing this post on a Vista machine, which I find a lot more stable and better built than XP used to be on this box (XP feels like a empty shell in comparison, metaphorically)
I use both. :)
Correct!
Plus note how almost all of them have an updated version available that fixes the problem.
Move along, nothing to see here.
I have been a VB programmer since 3.0 for Windows. Recently I have learnt C# and knowing VB.NET does help. I have to say though that .NET is a waste of time and money as the programs it creates are huge and memory hungry. VB6 apps are a lot lighter but you dont have a common runtime.
If you want to learn C# from VB.NET I would reccomend downloading c# express and registering it so you can get Visual C# 2005 Build a program now. Its a great book to help you transition.
I think the reason that MS got rid of the VB interface in MSAS and turned into C for Defender because of modularity which is a bit contradictory to all of the flying boxes on the visual basic box.
Windows Live ID now. Its a good thing that XP was never released as Microsoft Windows.NET or we would have a bit of trouble now with the online parts of .NET being phazed out.
The FSF is just causing more trouble than its worth. GPL v3 and now this. I can tell you that I have already ditched the FSF. All my apps are now MPL. I think the Linux Kernel should do the same. Possibly not the MPL but it should still abandon the FSF. I have to say that if ATI don't want to open source cause of legal issues then why are the FSF forcing them to. The only outcome I can see with ATI on this is to leave Linux and let the X programmers write drivers which is seriously going to impact the community. If the FSF carries on like this prepair for a Linux monopoly. If the FSF is so hard on OSS drivers why dont they pay a visit to Broadcom. Will someone please get Linux off the GPL? Please! Just my two cents.