It's a Genuine Advantage alright. The question is WHOSE.

Yipeeee!

My own opinion, on this, is that, it's a load of horsepoo that they put this into automatic updates. Theres absolutely no need for it as i see it for the end user. Yeah and theres a EULA, but who the hell has time to read EULA's for every piece of software on the computer, if people did they would have to take off of work to make the time to do it. Nah i think MS screwed up on this whole WGA Notification thing. Also because i have already seen first hand it doesn't always work properly. Whatever happened to trying to establish trust with your honest customers? I guess their bottom line outweighs that ideal. Everything these days seems to be heading towares "ZHOW ME YOUR PAPERZZZ" Sad.

Anyone else find PC_TOOL's name rather fitting?

PC_TOOL:

-> You say they send no personal information.

I consider my current location (usually easily found from IP address) to be personal data.
This is in fact my primary concern with WGA, and why I will never allow it to run on my notebook.
-- also, can you show me where it says no other personal information is sent? I'm interested to know what exactly they are sending.

-> You claim it is important to detect vulnerable counterfeit copies of the OS. (To protect the end user)

Why then does it need to call home?
It could easily be made to do this without contacting microsoft. (Except for the initial download of the software of course)

-> You claim the burden of proof lies on the accused in civil law.

This is simply not the case in the US. Burden of proof lies on the plaintiff.
(Though I find that argument largely irrelevant to the matter anyway.)

-> You seem to think that Microsoft is completely up front with end users IRT to the notification and install of the WGA software.

I disagree completely, though again this is up to personal interpretation.
However - I would bet good money that 90% of Windows XP users will install this update without having a clue what it is, and many not even knowing it was installed.

Real people, with real jobs and lives, simply do NOT have the time to read every 20 page EULA that gets sent their way.
Microsoft knows this, and exploits it.

Tell me, why are you so interested in protecting Microsoft? You seem like one of te droves of MS fanbois and employees I have met.
(Basically they like to suckle at the MS teat and be told fairy tales as they go to sleep)

edit -- oops, didn't mean to post yet!

huhuh, you said suckle.

Slightly off topic but needs to be told.

Adobe are now selling Creative Suite 2 upgraded from CS1 in the US at $349 us thats about £170 sterling in the England the same software is £381 sterling thats about $700us.

And Adobe's UK Official response is the market place dictates the price !!
Adobe's official US response was, well buy it from the US ship it to a US address and then post it on to England.

The bottom line is that these software companies are a law unto themselves and DO need to be regulated internationaly.

What about privacy? Should I have to pay to the church every time I pray because they taugth me to pray?

What about privacy? This has nothing to do with it. No personal data is transferred.

No personal data? Maybe, if you don't consider your current location to be personal.

I consider the current location of my notebook to be pretty personal. (Which can usually be found using the IP address -- which is being sent to MS).

Fool.

Its funny that Microsoft keeps giving this BS about not having to install yet, yet EVERY time it still tries to sneak the install in during your update.... without even asking you. And even after having checked the box to not ask you again.

That is spyware in every way. And no, just because its their software does not give them the right to keep checking up on you.

Go the Linux way ... you install what you want and upgrade the way you want... simple to use...

Sorry Mac folks... Apple may turn against you any time like M$...

Go the Linux way?

How about you just go away. :)

And already we have a worm for MS users, pretending to be WGA. How nice!

http://www.technewsworld...suit---and-a-Worm.xhtml

Gizmo9343 must be one of the lemming/sheep that voted for Shrub. The first time that Microsoft makes something that works it'll be a vacuum cleaner.

i am so glad i switched to debian based kubuntu
it rocks my face, and it is free.
take that bill gates

We glad you did too. We just wish you'd stop going on about it on MS topics.

Congratulations!

You are an irrelevant idiot. I've met people like you before, so full of themselves, and themselves being bulls***.

Rocks your face? Ouch.

First consider this. 23 billion looks like this: $23,000,000,000.00
divided by $100 = 230 million copies of windows.

Now go here to get the visual of it all:
http://www.crunchweb.net/87billion/

G R E E D

Information means power. It seems to be Big Brother's game. Who is behind all this? Do you really believe it is Mr. Gates?

I do agree with you. However Mr. Gates is also just as responsible.

You miss the point Pixelsmack (or at least the one I made...maybe you didn't read mine below yours)...my response to your post is that when they again double the price, and one of the owners goes from $23 billion to $46 billion, will you please step up and say "good god" to that too?
Its pure uncontrolled greed.

When you reply to a post, please use the 'Post a reply' button instead of creating a new thread.

Thanks.

I quickly became fed-up with the constant intrusions by WGA. I went to the Control Panel and uninstalled WGA ... but it didn't stay that way very long...sooooo ... Zone Alarm to the rescue! I simply had the ZA firewall stop WGA at the doorstep. No more distracting messages.

If you can afford to run a computer with an internet connection you can afford the one time fee for a legal OEM WindowsXP.

Good god.

It's not the fee, it is the fact that every time I upgrade my hardware or have to reimage my machine I have to go thru the same bs to activate my copy of xp.
There is not another single thing I own that requires the this. Why is MS different?

It is possible to get a computer with an Internet (sheesh, spell it right) connection for free. Get a recycled computer and use wireless to connect to someone other's connection, use a freenet, live in an area that offers free broadband, etc.

Wonder if I'll ever see someone say Bad god...

Go Mac and say bye bye to virus's, and all the bullcrap that go along with Micro$oft!

I'd go Mac if I wanted a computer soley for entertainment, and say: word processing, databases, graphic design*. A lot of people like Playstations and XBoxes, so I can understand why people like Macs.

Uncontrolled greed: Hey everyone, this licensing-non-ownership-control has gone too far.

What are we going to do when the music industry says, "You don't own your CD, you just license it, and we only allow it to run on one stereo. You have to call us and activate your CD for each device you wish to play it on." "Oh, you want to play music from that CD in your car? Sorry, you still need to buy another license for each electronic device you wish to play your 'licensed' CD on."

All this licensing, automatic updating, browswer war, instant messaging war, product activation is just beyond belief as a reflection of the extent of greed that has overtaken our society. I don't promote theft, I just also object to this legal theft of pricing products in excess of their actual value. The co-founder of Microsoft is worth $23 billion? How much is enough? And we keep letting companies and industries like this go on gouging us bloody like dumb sheep.

"And we keep letting companies and industries like this to gouge us bloody like dumb sheep."

Well, MS isn't forcing you to buy their product, and if you shop around there are some pretty good deals out there on XP Home or Pro.

You don't get the point. I own my copy, but am as sick as the original poster of having to "prove" who I am. Then I can only use it one time.

This is rediculous.

Why can you use it only one time? Depending on the version of Windows you purchase, you should be able to re-install/re-activate it several times over provided it's on the same machine. If not mistaken, MS may after too many re-installs warn that you have exceeded the allowable number, after which a phone call to MS will resolve the issue.

Product Activation is a necessary evil, otherwise can you not imagine the number of machines a single licensed key would be used on?

I totally agree with you. Please ignore the Microsoft fanboys who post here too. Apparently its alright for Microsoft to steal from us, but if we even have a negative opinion of Microsoft, oh no, thats just evil in their eyes.

For a power user (or a user with kids!) it is a fact that you will have to occassionally reimage your machine, and/or you will likely upgrade your machine (better, faster, etc...)
Once you do that, it's back to MS for another "activation" and proof you own XP.
There is nothing else I own where I have to go this "process".

Hypocrites...

Microsoft used cracked/illegal software in the creation of XP.

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news2.php?ID=10931

Sound Forge should also create a Genuine Advantage program... "SGA" will do.

The problem is the Microsoft fanboys who post on the boards could care less what Microsoft actually does wrong. Like you said, they ARE hypocrites.

since when is windows secure?

since when is any software secure?

list me one complex software with no updates?

Microsoft could have saved themselves a lot of grief if they had executed the WGA Notification initiative as follows:

1. Made it an optional (non-critical) update even with "Automatic Updates" enabled.

2. Made it easy to un-install via Add/remove programs.

3. Clearly warned users that it periodically phones headquarters with an explanation why it does so.

So simple, up front and unequivocal.

Having read the article and most of the post herein I think people who complain are nothing but Whiners or they are using illegal software.

I have been using Microsoft software for over 15 years and never had a problem. Software phoning home...Yeah right! Who gives a crap; it's better to phone home because you'll get the latest patches etc.
Illegal copies should not be updated and as a matter of fact; Microsoft should launch a killer program to wipe those hard drives clean as a new slate. That'll teach em to keep it real.
The fact is that Microsoft spent billions to develop software and they should be paid for their products.

I have made more than 20 calls to Microsoft over the years and frankly, I have NEVER had a problem with their support...YES!!! even the guys in India.
I have had fun dealing with their Tech support and find that for the most part; they know their stuff. Once I called for help with Virtual Server R2 and the poor guys made a mess. I ended up uninstalling then re-installing and added the plugins; by the time they called me to complete the fix, I had alread completed it. Funny thing is that the supervisor asked me to write a paper about how I fix the problem.
I was glad to help and gave as many pointers as I thought they needed.

I can say one thing for sure; Thanks Microsoft!!! If it had not beed for yourt Technology most people would have NEVER seen a PC....

If people are going to sue over WGA Notifications, why don't they sue over Product Activation while they're at it. Product Activation is the worst "feature" of Windows XP and later. Every time I install a new motherboard or double the amount of RAM in my computer or upgrade my graphics card (the list goes on) Windows XP tells me I have to call Microsoft by phone to reactivate it! This is absurd.

Microsoft has no right to inconvenience me or anyone else for legally upgrading their existing computer and legally continuing to use their existing Windows XP license they already purchased.

I'm no pirate, I own a legitimate copy, but I think proving myself to them is getting old.

There are pirated "corporate" keys floating around all over. That is why (one reason) product activation is required. *Edit* Actually, it is the WGA Validation component that does more to counter the pirated corporate keys than product activation, though it is still easy enough to install SP2 and critical updates on these ilicit versions. Autopatcher has done a great deal to help out pirates as well.

The MS scoop on Product Activation is all here:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx

Some may not like to agree with it because it's from MS, but it is tough to legitimately argue against it.

The only problem I can honestly say I've had with MS is with the WGA Notification component. Otherwise, their licensing and product activation and product validation policies seem fair. After all, if you were running a business and had to spend big $$$ developing and producing a product, would you not take steps to stop thiefs from stealing it? Many have complained that XP is too expensive, but don't we say the same things about automobiles, food, clothing and household utilities such as gas and electricity, amongst a great deal other products and services? It still doesn't make it right to steal what we want just because we feel it is too expensive.

"Microsoft should launch a killer program to wipe" hard drives of computers with illegal copies? Seems you missed the part where some people with legit installs are mistakenly being informed that their copy isn't legit.

but it REALLY is too expensive !
The balance between investments and income is obviously too much advantageous for Microsoft !
This company earns outrageous amounts of money, and uses its already gigantic power to create this worldwide monoply...

"If people are going to sue over WGA Notifications, why don't they sue over Product Activation while they're at it. Product Activation is the worst "feature" of Windows XP and later. Every time I install a new motherboard or double the amount of RAM in my computer or upgrade my graphics card (the list goes on) Windows XP tells me I have to call Microsoft by phone to reactivate it! This is absurd.

Microsoft has no right to inconvenience me or anyone else for legally upgrading their existing computer and legally continuing to use their existing Windows XP license they already purchased."

AMEN. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON WHY I INSTALLED A BOOTLEG COPY COPY OF THE CORPORATE EDITION ON MY COMPUTER. WAKE UP MICRO$OFT. Screwing your PAID customers is conterproductive...

Depending on where it's purchased from, I agree it CAN be too expensive, but there are some good deals on it if you shop around.

Sniff... Sniff.... I smell a Microsoft employee here. It couldn't be anymore obvious.

Just like all other anti-pirate schemes this will only affect those with legit copies. The pirates have, and still are, bypassing these nuisances with ease. I had heard that in order to develop a foolproof copy protection scheme that a company would have to spend around a billion dollars on it.

It's interesting just scanning down the list of comments to find the kind of stuff said about it. Especially the comment about how much a product is pirated? Regardless, I thought Microsoft had record profits last year?

I'm a legitimate user twice over, and I have hassle with windows Product Activation, as stated in another article when someone asked me what the 'cause' of my problem was, implying I had actually misused my license.

That's what irritates me. My license is legal, installed on the same PC that hasn't changed since I got it. Everything added to it has been USB hardware, thus it won't effect any of the IDs, yet I still have trouble activating it these days as MS have deemed I have done so too much.

I'm glad more and more people are getting the right to decide when I have done too much of something, when clearly by all the logging of my hardware IDs they know my computer is the same.

WGA? Well, I'm just waiting for the day my valid license fails on that one too. Interestingly enough, my other XP Home license has no problems and it is in the same situation. PC I got it for hasn't changed, et al.

Piracy is one thing, and of course it is bad. WPA probably was enough for the casual user who infringed on the software agreement (and note, I call it a software agreement, not a license agreement, because you're buying damn software as previous legal cases have stated, not a 'license' for the software regardless of what they tell you) by installing it on multiple computers.

We didn't need WGA as well.

In the age of rampant piracy and cracking, only the most aggressive software companies will make money at the expense of their loyal users.

Greed, theft, spying; it's all bad for users.

deleted

"protects customers from counterfeit versions "
How? After purchasing it? Or can it be loaded first to ensure it is genuine.. Yeah right............

Hmmm..

Perhaps by warning them, perhaps *before* their systems are compromised, so they can report the retailer and, oh...maybe get a legitimate copy of the OS????

I have absolutly no problem with this software. I use only genuine products and consider it legitimate for Microsoft to protect its investment. I admit to being a Microsoft fan from DOS versions of Office up to the Beta 2 verson of Office 2007.
The number of people I see exchanging "dubious" copies of MS products validates Microsofts continued efforts to protect its proprietary property.

I am 37 years old, and grew up on computers. I agree that Microsoft should get paid on their software. I personally do not like the fact that i have 3 machines at my house, and i live alone, and I have to have 3 copies of the OS. They are game machines. I put w2k on them. Screw Activation. (i also did not install WGA on my XP box)
I changed my video card, then i had to re-activate. Talk about a hassle. Then, 2 weeks later, I wiped the HD, and started over. Talk about another hassle. Personally i think it is BS.(Bombastic Stupidity)
I do not like the direction WGA is going. There has to be a different/better way.

Windows XP is now a good OS. (for games) As long as APPLE makes innovative changes, Windows will copy Apple and make its product better.

You would think that if you had 60,000 employees, that someone would come up with something origional, other than the help dog & WGS.

I have a friend who has a legit copy of Windows XP home, he has a Futureshop bill and all to prove it and as far as I know Futureshop is not selling pirated copies of WindowsXP. He bought it about 1 1/2 years ago. He was getting the whole message about having an illegal copy etc.
I followed instruction (which I found the url here in the user comments) and removed WGA etc.

He's going to contact Microsoft and Futureshop this week to try and get this fix, I'm curious on how this will all turn out.

Let us know. It should be interesting...

...

"He was getting the whole message
about having an illegal copy etc."

...

Same here.

The PC Rat has been using a copy of Windows Home
he bought at Staples shortly after XP came out.

When WGA was implemented, it had no problem with
that copy. Then -suddenly a couple months ago-
WGA decided that it was bootlegged and illegal !

Couple weeks ago, WGA changed it mind ...and this
same copy of WinXP is deemed legal again.

Problem with WGA being it's arbitary, operates
automatically, and makes determinations essentially
beyond consumer appeal or redress.

...

The Computer Rodent

...

Redress?

Appeal?

1-800-426-9400 (try here first)
1-800-936-5700 (fee-based)

:)

Always glad to help.

...

"Redress? Appeal? ...try here"

...

"Try" ?

This ain't an appeals process, it's a phone-
Microsoft-and-beg process !

No thanx.

( Besides, WGA has again decided your fav rodent's
copy of WinXP Home is legit. )

Their customers, however, ought not be placed in
the position of being judged guilty and then have
to prove their innocence.

THAT's nuts ! These are ~customers~ we're talking
about !

This ought to be handled on-line, with the decision
made AFTER the user is contacted and consulted.

And the burden of proof on Microsoft instead of
on the customer.

...

The Computer Rodent

...

Hey Rodent; the Burden of Proof in on the accuser, in this case MICROSOFT. I guess Bill Gates wasn't taught about the US Constitution in his High School government classes...

In civil matters, the burden of proof is on the accused.

....just sayin'.

...

"Hey Rodent; the Burden
of Proof in on the accuser,
in this case MICROSOFT
I guess Bill Gates wasn't
taught about the
US Constitution"

...

Constitutional due process rules don't apply
outside courts of law. But, by acting in an
arbitrary and high-handed manner, Microsoft
keeps finding itself in courts of law !

But, PC_Tool is absolutely in error when he
says that in civil cases the burden of proof is
on the ~accused~.

Maybe in Cuba.

...

The Computer Rodent

...

Since the inception and release of WinXP. I have slowly noticed that MS is treating people like they are dum-dums; I mean everyone- even the techies. It's a OS for dummies.

And it's really the stupid people they'er after anyways- I mean AOL has done great at making all those idiots pay $25 a month for years.

With the latest release and barrage of low handed action like this WGA. When I install software, I enter the key and I install it. I don't want it calling home everyday. I mean really, what else are they going to decide to grab from my computer without me knowing.

They don't specify for the average user exactly byte by byte whats there, so how do you know and that they won't get more data later. Interesting thought-

Having said that- I am keeping my Windows machine and not doing anymore updates. I've had just about enough.

I am starting with Ubuntu.com.

I am migrating today. I am tired of someone treating me like I don't know whats going on and can inflict their will because they have 95% of the market and a army of lawyers to twist the truth until someone says 'the hell with it- you win.'

Nope- not anymore.

That's because people are "dum-dums". Only today I had someone phone me up, and say they have Windows Genuine Advantage notifications poping up on their Dell laptop.

I initially was suprised, as all Dell laptops come with a legit COA. At this point most people start ranting about how unreliable WGA is. However upon digging, it turns out this Dell laptop came with XP Home, and a "friend" installed XP Professional, as it's "much more modern"...

Seems people need protecting from themselves. I informed them, that as far as they were concerend, XP Professional is not required, and no different in their circumstances than XP Home. And they using the Dell system resore CD will fix the WGA notifications. I also suggested their "knowledgable friend" with dodgy copies of XP Pro be kept away from their laptop in the future....

Harmed.

By WGA notifications (a different beast than WGA, I might add).

After you installed it...

And then suing.

Yeah, welcome to America. Land of (totally useless and unecessary) Litigation.

Lack of personal responsibility and accountability. Ya'll can't be bothered to *look* at sh1t, even from MS, before you download and install it.

What a bunch of friggin' cry-babies.

I'm sorry (no, I'm not), but if you cannot be accountable for what goes on *YOUR* computer, you damn well shouldn't be using one. END OF STORY.

*clap clap clap clap clap*

My only issue with it is that in my mind (twisted as it can be) it's spyware.

It's installed as a critical update, when it's not one.

It phones home (now less than it used to).

That it annoys people that have not purchased the product I don't have an issue with, I'm ok with shutting them down too. The issue is that they were unethical about how it was presented to consumers, AND how it was initially communicated as to what it really did.

Not critical, perhaps in your opinion.

Possible Scenario:

Person buys copy of XP from storefront that is selling counterfit copies as 'The REAL thing'.

In order to improve performance, they cut a few services here and there, add an install of this and that... basically leaveing a gaping hole for infection by malware. 2 things can happen here:

1.) Innocent customer gets infected, computer becomes unuseable, personal information is transmitted, ID theft occurs...yadda, yadda, yadda.

2.) WGA notifies the user that his copy is not legit and offers a link to buy a legit copy and report the retailer how's selling bum copies.

Believe it or not, WGA is aimed at preventing option 1 and going after those counterfit retailers. Preventing such an occurence would be considered critical by those users, would it not?

Just one example, I'm sure you're creative enough to come up with more on your own.

Could it actually possible that MS is trying to *gasp* protect it's legit customers from less-than-trustworthy retailers??

"Compensation for consumers who have been harmed by WGA"

Harmed eh?

"The suit alleges that legitimate customers are receiving non-licensed notifications every hour, and seeks class-action status."
Sounds a little weak to me. Sounds like someone just wants to make a quick buck. Even if this is happening how does anyone know if the machines haven't been tampered with to get the effect.

It's funny how it's the legit users that are the ones complaining about WGA. The ones actually using illegal copies of windows couldn't care less. I thought the whole point of WGA was to annoy the ones using illegal copies of windows.

It's a good bet most of the 'legit' users complaining are not, as such.

It's also a good bet, that a lot of the non-legit users know they are guilty and therefore have absolutely *zero* right to whine about it.

I am a "legit" user and am indeed complaining. I fully back any and all lawsuits against Microsoft for unquestionably deceptive practices.

The bottom line is Microsoft lied to every "legit" customer. And for that it should be punished.

I'm not legit, and I'm complaining. I'm not switching to linux until i can play all my games on it (basically never.) but i can't afford windows either. So i'm using it for free, and WGA notifications really annoy me, but as long as there's a way to get rid of them, i don't care.

Well, at least he admits it.

He's still an idiot, but at least he's an honest one. ;)

What, exactly, was the lie again?

So you’re a gamer and gamers don't like linux and macs. Now I get it, just out of curiosity do you pirate your games too? (wink ,wink) I get the feeling that you do:-)

Gee, from your postings I thought you were smart enough to know. But since you are not, the lie is a "critical update" that is not. (Is that so hard to comprehend?)

im running a bootleg xp pro as soon as wga popped up i went to regedit and ripped out the dll...im not an idiot i just am cheap...free abobe suite, macro, draw 12 even mcafee...hahaha

A cheap idiot.

You do realize you're the reason for all this sh*t, right?

Thanks a lot.

Read one of my posts above defining how this qualifies as a critical update. Then get back to me.

It amazes me that some folks can't even allow the thought to enter their heads that MS may actually be trying to protect it's users...

Here's another take on the subject:
http://australianit.news...306%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html

this is just more ammo for MS to have complete control of everything. yes it is their product yes i agree it shouldnt be pirated but when i buy my dvds, or games the company isnt calling me every 90 days making sure its still legit. fight piracy another way i dont want you invading my system where i keep my data. intresting fact is that gates "borrowed" the info for windows and formed it his own in the early days

intresting fact is that gates "borrowed" the info for windows and formed it his own in the early days

Ummmm... what are you talking about? If you're referring to the purchase and rebranding of QDOS, then you are sorely mistaken. 1. That wasn't Windows. 2. He didn't "borrow" anything. The writers were compensated for a price that *they* agreed to.

I think he is referring to the contract that Apple and Microsoft had for Office on the Mac. Microsoft took all they learned about Apple's API and developed their own that looked similar.

similarity is subjective. I thank the god's daily that Windows UI does not act or look like the MacOSX UI.

I completely agree, which is why I didn't say "copied". ;-)

"this is just more ammo for MS to have complete control of everything. yes it is their product yes i agree it shouldnt be pirated"

Well seeing as pirates are the reason that the whole product activation and WGA rigmarole has come into being, I hope you are reporting people for piracy.

Pirates of Silicon Valley (the movie) depict an innocent Bill, but come on, do you really buy that load? Truth is, no one I mean NO one is so squeeky clean, especially those "successful" ones who keep magically getting more successful. Open your eyes.

*sigh*

No.

You cannot agree with me.

It's not allowed.

Please take a stance contrary to my own immediately.

Thank you.

you know Macs are "better" right?

heh

uh heh

heh!

Thank you.

For a moment there, all was not right with the world. It is much better now.

You damned Mac fanboi! ;P

"...and protects customers from counterfeit versions of the operating system that may not be secure." Now *that's* funny. So, only counterfeit versions are insecure? I think not. Protecting the customer? When was that ever MS's mission. This is a simple case of "nail the counterfeiters", which I can appreciate. But they should do themselves a favor and state it plainly for what it is, and not try to mask it as something it's not. They seem to be taking a lesson from Republican's (i.e. GWB's) playbook.

This article almost makes WGA sound like a piece of spyware.... reminds me of microsoft + gator and how much trouble that duo caused me.

I had my share of frustration with Microsoft and I am ready to sign up with millions of others to get compasation from Microsoft for the pain they are causing the good honest users like me and many others like me. Shame on you Microsoft!!!!

Ok so is their a license agreenment when installing GWA via windows automatic updates??

Personally I'm just gonna try and stay away from it

This case ought to be a slam dunk. It most definitely displays "this copy of windows may be counterfeit" nags on legitimate copies of Windows, even those validated as genuine by Microsoft's own genuine advantage diagnostics tool. You can disable it, but you'd be violating the DMCA's DRM circumvention rules.

deleted

I fail to see any reason to agree with Microsoft's insidious approach on WGA. What were they thinking?

Just confirms my assertion that they have no ethical boundries.

Senior management needs to walk.

Ok so is their a license agreement when installing WGA though windows automatic updates?

Personally I'm just gonna stay away from it.

You would be quite surprised to know then that other worse protection ways have been employed in the past, by other vendors.

As an example, BPM studio (it is a DJ software for PC). Version 4 had a periodical check to determine if the version was pirated or not. If it was, it just made the program stop working, not even giving an advise to the user.

Comparing an obscure niche-market product to a globally-dominant juggernaut product is hardly an apt comparison.

Yeah, cuz it would be unfair to judge all products by the same moral and ethical codes of cunduct, right?

/sarcasm

"Just confirms my assertion that they have no ethical boundries."

So you think it is perfectly acceptable to have between 20% and 90%, dependent on market, of your products stolen from you without taking any action?

I wouldn't lie to the public about the actions that I took, no.

They are trying to protect their property, I can understand their point.

You get a license to use Windows. It's not yours and they can change it how they see fit if you have "automatic updates" turned on.

You don't like that? Turn automatic updates off. Or use Linux.

Or a sweet intel MAC!

Dude, don't eat 'em. They may *look* like candy, but they're not. Their actually just over priced, candy-shaped PCs with an inferior OS. ;)

I just have to laugh at this.

They brought it all on themselves.

I use Fedora's Linux and I can do darn near anything a xp can do. I have a teenages son who has his own omputer running linux fedora's also and we listen to his musis, plays his games and what ever a windows would do..
so I say go linux.. it is free and very very very good.

I think WICKETR made a good point. Has anyone commenting here actually read the Microsoft EULA? Microsoft does not sell its consumers the OS; it sells you a license to use it.

It clearly states the following:

3. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS AND OWNERSHIP. Microsoft reserves all rights not expressly granted to you in this EULA. The Software is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and treaties. Microsoft or its suppliers own the title, copyright, and other intellectual property rights in the Software. The Software is licensed, not sold.

Under .2 Mandatory Activation:
You may also need to reactivate the Software if you modify your computer hardware or alter the Software. 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. Microsoft will not collect any personally identifiable information from your Workstation Computer during this process.

For the above – sorry folks, but an IP address does not personally identify an individual – remember that IPs are owned by your ISP not Microsoft.

14. TERMINATION. Without prejudice to any other rights, Microsoft may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the Software and all of its component parts.

If anyone who uses Windows doesn’t agree to at least these few rules, you should buy a Mac… Oh wait… Mac has a similar EULA minus the activation part.

In short, since MS owns the OS, they can do what ever they want with it. There is no invasion of privacy here… if it’s not stated under the WGA license, it’s clearly stated here. Also for those of you who think that automatic updates don’t contact MS on a periodic basis, you are fooling yourself – WGA works in a similar fashion, I’ve known it all along and it’s no big deal. This isn’t sypware, in any way shape or form. Spyware/Adware is used to monitor your web surfing habits, etc. It’s just a really, really bad marketing tool gone wrong.

One would think that MS would look at past practice and build for the future (Vista)to ensure/minimize the use of pirated copies instead of spending millions on finding innovayive ways of alienating current customers. It is a fact that the "pirate" world will find ways around anything MS adds to XP as fast as they come out with it.