another rant against Microsoft
Published on July 31, 2005 By averjoe In Personal Computing
The latest game Microsoft is playing is using so-called validation software to rummage through your home computer to make sure it is using a legal copy of Microsoft before it allows you to update.



This rummaging and tagging of your computer is suppose to happen only if you want your operating system to get the latest upgrades or tweaks to the Microsoft operating system in order to make it “function” better (is that possible?).



Microsoft said it was not going to force one to go through this procedure and that no matter what that critical security updates would be allowed to be downloaded and installed on all systems using the Windows operating system.



If you try to update your Windows running computer with these critical security updates without having your system rummaged through and tagged you will find it difficult to do. In fact, it is so difficult that I reckon most will decide to take the easy way out and let Microsoft rummage through and tag their system.



Microsoft makes my ass ache with all their validating of software. I mean you already must go through a pain in the ass procedure to “authenticate” your copy of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional in order to use it on the Internet otherwise not only will you not be able to use the Internet after thirty-days but the operating system will become unusable.



I’m happy to say that I use a copy of Windows XP offline, with no attention of ever using Windows XP online that works only because of a crack that some enterprising programmer/ hacker provided online.



Thank goodness for the programmer or computer enthusiast that in his/her leisure time provide cracks for overly protected software where the respective corporations are milking every little bit of profit from the public (is way beyond the cost of development and reasonable return).



I have no problem with Microsoft trying to authenticate that a legal copy of its operating systems is being used, but I do have a problem with it trying to regulate how many machines in one single family residence their software can be used on. I have a problem with them building a time bomb within their software so that unless you register it online it will become inoperable within a certain time period. What if you don’t want to use your copy of Windows XP online?



Now Microsoft wants to rummage through and then tag every machine running Windows in order for one to get non-critical updates (wink, wink). Of course as I said they make it difficult to go to their website to get the critical updates without being able to rummage and tag.



Microsoft should immediately make it possible for one to get the critical updates without going through the rummaging (checking out your machine to make sure it is running a legal copy of their operating system) and tagging (installing a unique key that will indicate that your machine was rummaged through and proven to be using a legal copy of their operating system) process. When I go to their update site I should be presented with the critical updates and the offer to rummage and tag my system in order to get less critical updates to my operating system.



I will be ending this nonsense with Microsoft hopefully soon by using a flavor of Linux most of the time online. Finding drivers that work with wireless technology and a few other things is the only thing really stopping me from using it online most of the time right now.



I still think certain things about Linux will keep the average computer user from migrating to it at this time, but hopefully people are working on making it more average user friendly (like Suse and Mandrake Linux- Mandrake Linux changed its name but I can’t think of it right now).



May I suggest they make the installing and removing of software much easier and try to limit all those various dependencies that a lot of Linux software need. It is always the case that if you install a program A you’ll need a program B for Linux.



Until things get a little easier Linux will remain a system primarily used by the computer programmer, computer enthusiast, or computer geek.



In the meantime something must be done about all the ridiculous hoops that Microsoft is trying to make its customers jump through. Apple anyone?

Comments (Page 3)
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on Aug 02, 2005
You do know that MS was contemplating a subscription based OS for Vista (Longhorn at the time) - yes?

It was a discussion only on the MSDN, but if pirates keep it up, they may eventually go this route. We would then have to pay annually.


Yes, "we" would, but the pirates wouldn't.

So what's the point again?


Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
on Aug 02, 2005
So what's the point again?


Morals - some have them, some don't.

If the law comes knocking on my door, I do not have to run - the pirates do.

I should clarify a bit, those statements are a bit too smug, yet undeniably true.

I know some pirates and some people who have no issues with using cracks.

The pirates could give a rip about whether it is an MS product, an Adobe product, or a product that was created by some small business. They want to bypass the rules because they find a challenge in it, and wouldn't care a bit about someone who used their cracks being caught - unless of course it led the law to their door. Then, there would be some measure of caring.

Pirates would not care if MS lowered the price of Vista to $50 for a lifetime of updates with no hardware identifications. They would still create cracks, and people would still use them, because "Free is better than $50".

This is sort of like the person instigating a fight between two people and standing by watching as the fight ensues. So we are playing right into their hands by bad mouthing Microsoft and therefore offering some measure of support for their activities.

I do not know what a subscription based OS would entail, but for those people who already balk at a simple verification of the software, this would probably be less appealing.

I prefer not to support pirates, so turn down offers of "free" software that I can not stand in court with, and I have no issues with paying for my Operating System from Microsoft.

It would be nice if they licensed each single owner copy of their OS to be used on a desktop and a laptop. This seems reasonable to me.

I may be in the minority, but given the option of backing Microsoft or Pirates, I choose Microsoft - even though I have to pay my way.
on Aug 02, 2005
"Validation is great. We spend a lot of money on software each year. We pay for software maintenance (I know that is an old term). So if I am doing everything right, you should have to too. I feel this way even if it means I can't save a few minutes by using a cracked version. Quit crying and buy your software."




I hate the stinking strawman "OH, so activation is a problem for you? Well buy your software and it won't be." I guess it makes some people feel all grown up or something.

I hate to break it to you, but there ARE grownups who pay hundreds of dollars for software pretty regularly who *gasp* differ with your opinion on activation. I am driving a cheap car and using expensive software, so it might surprise you to find I don't like being characterized that way just because I like to change my hardware as often as I like without asking permission.

It might make you feel good to say everyone who differs is a w4r3z d00d, but in reality the only one it makes a point to is you and other people who share your incorrect view.
on Aug 02, 2005
What if I wanted to reformat my old computer then and reinstall XP, say 5 years, or 10 year, or even 20 years from now? It is unlikely XP will validate or authenticate by then. What if Microsoft don't even exist anymore by then?


I think Microsoft will not be around in 15 to 20 years given the amount of growing linux has done recently and the whole open source movement.

Seems to me that the starting $300 price tag for XP Pro (which works out to $60/year including updates on the extended support program) - is not too bad for a useful tool.

XP Home at $200 works out to $40/year including updates.


How is that going to work for people unable to get credit cards?
on Aug 02, 2005
"I think Microsoft will not be around in 15 to 20 years given the amount of growing linux has done recently and the whole open source movement."


Excuse a small chuckle... a-hee hee. Feel free to go back and read what the Mac prophets had to say back in the early-mid 90's. That's the reaction we always hear when an OS made a surge that didn't quite make it. Deja vu. Even if Linux grows into something fit for the average desktop, it's no Windows killer, any more than Mac.

"How is that going to work for people unable to get credit cards?"


Instead of buying an upgrade, you buy a new license with your upgrade.
on Aug 03, 2005
So your saying that licenses will be sold in stores? Interesting.

As far as Microsoft not being here in 20 years - They have salready shot themselves in the foot in many ways. And remeber - Linux is FREE.

And by the way Baker - https://www.wincustomize.com/Forums.aspx?ForumID=144&AID=82646#631204
on Aug 03, 2005
I think Microsoft will not be around in 15 to 20 years given the amount of growing linux has done recently and the whole open source movement.




Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
on Aug 03, 2005
I think Microsoft will not be around in 15 to 20 years given the amount of growing linux has done recently and the whole open source movement.


Kona,.. you're such a funny man sometimes..
on Aug 03, 2005
I think Microsoft will not be around in 15 to 20 years given the amount of growing linux has done recently and the whole open source movement.


I read that yesterday and haven't been able to get beyond laughter until now to respond. Now that I have a grip...all I can say is
on Aug 03, 2005
Laugh as you will. No matter. No one knows what the future holds in store.
on Aug 03, 2005
Given the current rate of growth in hardware and software I suspect a 15 year old computer would be about as useful as a 286 would be today. It hardly matters whether MS will be around or the user has XP loaded on it - nothing useful's going to happen on it anyway.

Of course, my crystal ball might be out of whack.
on Aug 03, 2005

Morals - some have them, some don't.

Sounds like something anti-homosexual marriage/abortion/etc. would use.

Sometimes it's just a matter of them having different morals than you do.

If the law comes knocking on my door, I do not have to run - the pirates do.

I should clarify a bit, those statements are a bit too smug, yet undeniably true.

I know some pirates and some people who have no issues with using cracks.

The pirates could give a rip about whether it is an MS product, an Adobe product, or a product that was created by some small business. They want to bypass the rules because they find a challenge in it, and wouldn't care a bit about someone who used their cracks being caught - unless of course it led the law to their door. Then, there would be some measure of caring.

Pirates would not care if MS lowered the price of Vista to $50 for a lifetime of updates with no hardware identifications. They would still create cracks, and people would still use them, because "Free is better than $50".


Except, it's not that simple. Free is better than $50 is true IF AND ONLY IF the products are completely identical in all respects, which is never the case between pirated and legit goods. For most pirated software, you don't get a nice CD and book (of differing value to different people). And to put it bluntly, there is also a monetary price for morality here. When the product's price is low enough, people will go ahead and buy it to feel good about themselves. Not everything you get when you purchase something is tangible.

This is sort of like the person instigating a fight between two people and standing by watching as the fight ensues. So we are playing right into their hands by bad mouthing Microsoft and therefore offering some measure of support for their activities.

Don't just assume everyone's on the same side now.

I do not know what a subscription based OS would entail, but for those people who already balk at a simple verification of the software, this would probably be less appealing.

I prefer not to support pirates, so turn down offers of "free" software that I can not stand in court with, and I have no issues with paying for my Operating System from Microsoft.

It would be nice if they licensed each single owner copy of their OS to be used on a desktop and a laptop. This seems reasonable to me.

I may be in the minority, but given the option of backing Microsoft or Pirates, I choose Microsoft - even though I have to pay my way.

Personally, I see it as the option between backing a big corporate monopoly who manipulate the law and minds of people vs. backing up consumers.

But then again, I see copyright as an unnecessary evil.
on Aug 03, 2005
Damn you for posting the very second after me so I can't edit my post and correct all those horrible grammar errors.
on Aug 03, 2005

Damn you for posting the very second after me so I can't edit my post and correct all those horrible grammar errors

Such as "copyright is a NECESSARY evil" ......Spell checker

on Aug 03, 2005
" Given the current rate of growth in hardware and software I suspect a 15 year old computer would be about as useful as a 286 would be today."


15 years ago I had a 40 meg hard drive and 1 big meg of ram. If things continued at that rate in 15 years i'd probably have a terabyte of ram and God's brain for a hard drive.

(and people would still be bitching about windowblinds using a few megs...)
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