RSSMicrosoft Trials License Checkpoint
By David Worthington | Published September 17, 2004, 11:04 PM
Microsoft may be taking Windows product activation one step further. A pilot program at the Microsoft Download Center will require users to validate their Windows license in exchange for access to file downloads. The immediate benefit for legitimate customers who have genuine copies of the operating system will be faster downloads; users with counterfeit software may find themselves locked out altogether.
The pilot, called Windows Genuine Advantage, is currently opt-in only; however, Microsoft has not ruled out the possibility making product validation a permanent gatekeeper. Microsoft is running the pilot program to investigate new ways to differentiate its genuine software from illegal and counterfeit copies as well as for the added advantage of soliciting consumer feedback.
In essence, the Windows Genuine Advantage Web site depicts the validation process as the wrapper and promised benefits such as greater reliability, faster access to support and overall richer experiences with Microsoft products as the candy.
The validation process is a one time deal that is strikingly similar to Windows Product Activation: A PC's hardware profile is matched up with customers' 25-character Product Key. During the pilot, users who are found to be running non-genuine copies of Windows will be given information on how to obtain a legitimate copy of Windows before being allowed to download their requested file.
While Windows Activation is not required, a genuine Windows services activation key may be necessary to access the site; as corporate editions of XP are not activated.
When BetaNews asked Microsoft whether or not the pilot program would translate into a permanent anti-piracy solution and bring to an end download access for Microsoft's 'unofficial' customers, a spokesperson told BetaNews, "Microsoft is simply gathering feedback at this point and we can’t speculate on what might result from the pilot."
The spokesperson also addressed BetaNews's concern that limiting access to necessary security fixes has the potential to lead to a higher frequency of massive Windows-related security incidents. "During the pilot, all participants – genuine or not – will have access to all of the downloads they want, including those related to security," said the spokesperson.
Microsoft has addressed additional concerns at a frequently asked questions Web site that was set up for the pilot.
Personally I am really getting sick of this activation crap.
And yes, I own a legitimate copy of WindowsXP Home Edition. But a month or so ago, after reinstalling WindowsXP, it would not let me activate it, saying that I have exceeded my activations for this key.
Funny, I'm the only one with the key, and have installed windows whenever I get a new motherboard or drive etc. The last time NO HARDWARE was changed.
So I had to go through the hassle of calling up Microsoft, reading aloud some 60 digit number to a computer (and hope it gets it right), then I was put on hold for a while for a live operator, then some foreign guy comes on the phone who BARELY speaks english, and wants me to type in the 60 digit number he gives back to me that I can hardly understand.
This is complete crap, and IS the very reason why so many people hate activation and Microsoft. I'm currently running a hacked version because I'm sick of it, despite the fact I paid for it and have a legitimate copy.
I had this exact same thing happen with the Incredimail email program and apparently it too can only be activated so many times before it won't let you anymore.
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|Microsoft is doing a better job in keeping these stupid pirates away.
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|Again - IF you use MSIE - everything is ok.
IF you use a non-Microsoft browser (for whatever reason) - you're out of luck.
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|Do they really think....this is going to work.
Hackers always find a workaround, to everything!
The big companies can try and try, but they will ultimately fail as there is no real way to stop someone from getting a new key once this takes off and changing their product activation.
It's more of a privacy and security concern rather than authenticity screening.
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|That's what I would have thought, too, but read the FAQ. It works with other browsers—they even specifically mention Firefox.
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|Wow, I guess what it comes down to, if you don't like MS then don't use it. It's that simple.
I know people complain all the time and say that MS is monopolistic, but hey isn't that the American way? Capitalism. So are you guys saying, well it's o.k. to be successful, but not too successful? I don't get it! I think there is a lot of envy towards Bill Gates, and people all complain about him, but hey, he never did anything less ethical than ANY President of any corp (or country for that matter) did. Where would we be without Microsoft?
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|Absolutely right. After all, most "illegal" copies of windows and other ms products are actually legit copies that are given to enterprise companies. Most enterprise versions do not even require activation.
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|That help their customers to fix their system??? They have to download some files for others.
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|I just activated a laptop I bought for my daughter, and it's a painful nuisance to do all that stuff. I had to type in the 25-character Product Key to activate MS Office, and another product key to activate Norton Antivirus. Now they want us to do still another product key?
I've always thought it was a PITA to have to keep all those old Windows books, CD cases, and the rest just in case you needed the keys for a fresh install. I have quite a few computers around the house for my kids, and it's hard to keep track of all that junk.
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|Although I can't say I love the idea for privacy and security reasons... I'm not really opposed to it either since my products are properly licensed.
I will say one thing though, the concern BetaNews has regarding limited access to security fixes is amusing... of course it leads to higher frequency of massive Windows related incidents... but only for those who aren't properly licensed (aka pirates) and those who who choose not to install the updates at all.
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|Lest ye forget that while installing the core OS, you are vulnerable to attacks that are not patched via slipstreaming.
Yes, you can keep the network cable unplugged, but you'll have to download that update eventually.
My personal favorite was hearing a friend installing XP SP1 from WindowsUpdate and getting hit with blaster in the middle of the update. Frying his newly installed OS.
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|Here's a thought... slipstream it!
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|I too have legit software, but I also build my own computers and modify them quite often by either changing the motherboard, adding memory, getting bigger faster drives. It seems lately every time I change a component on the system I get the dreaded you must reactivate windows...
I must admit it is really a joy to have to call microsoft, read off 25 character keys then try to explain to them why you needed that extra 256 meg stick of ram.
So am I thrilled to hear about yet another security hurdle to jump over? I think not...
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|The problem with your line of thinking is that it is one-sided and narrow. Sure, piracy is bad. I have a legit copy of XP, and I hate suffering through the numerous re-activations while some twit with a hacked corporate edition can change his system's configuration to his heart's content, but when it comes down to security, if you only allow certain users to have the installation updated, and allow those who have obtained XP illegally to deal with the numerous attacks against their compromised systems, then we all end up losing. The numerous DDoS attacks come from systems that haven't been updated to close security holes, and if they continue to be left open by those unwilling to shell out $100-$200 for a legit copy of either Home or Pro, then we, those who did shell out the cash, will start finding life difficult online, as more and more sites will be attacked by those very systems that have been excluded from the rigorous attempts by the Microsoft developers to shore up their flawed software.
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|I predict that Microsoft will always give security updates to all users of whatever their current home O/S is, legit or not, so any worrying is for naught, but I could be wrong.
But as was mentioned, there are and always will be a large number of unlicensed users- it must be millions. Some of those will never license no matter what hurdles are put up. Millions of machines vulnerable to takeover and being zombies for DDOS could harm anyone who runs a publicly significant website. If MS does take away security from the pirates, you'd better hope that no script kiddie ever decides they don't like your business.
Of course, MS themselves are a prime and frequent target for zombies, so it is in their interest to prevent those zombies anyway.
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|"My personal favorite was hearing a friend installing XP SP1 from WindowsUpdate and getting hit with blaster in the middle of the update."
Lol, I had the same thing happen to me, and I finally just downloaded the sp1 to a CD from a Windows 98 system and ran the patch without connecting on the XP system...
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