australianit.news.com.au— Microsoft has dropped elements of its Windows Genuine Advantage Notification after they ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Jul 3, 2006View in Crawl 4
You know normally I frown at all of the Microsoft bashing that goes on, because most of it seems uninformed and unjustified. However, no matter how much I may like Microsoft, they not only crossed the line here, they took a flying leap over it. By every definition we have come to accept, this program is spyware. I too use automatic updates, and have seen this thing come back even though I've declined it and chosen not to have it presented to me again. Whomever's decision this was over in the House of Bill, it was most certainly the wrong one. I cant see that it's doing any good. I take technical support calls and numerous people have seen this, but when I try to explain it to them they are mystified and clueless (as per mostly usual). I cant see how it's actually helping since these people that are seeing it will just ignore it and pretend it's not there because they don't know any better.
I know this has been said about 1e43 times, but there's a simple solution to all of this:Don't buy Microsoft products, no matter how seductive the games, office products, etc. happen to be. If you get it for free (say on that new shiny computer of yours), ditch it anyway. Grab a copy of Ubuntu (for an easier time) or Gentoo (for a leap into the deep end) or any of the other Linux distributions. Free software will, well, set you free.Their software seems to work okay for the most part when patched. The problem is that apparently you have to have a close personal father-daughter relationship with their update software to keep it patched. I personally find this unacceptable. They should verify that the operating system is legal *once* and then leave the users the hell alone. You know, it sometimes almost seems like they *want* to lose customers...Then again, maybe it's just me. I am an odd sort of fellow after all.
I'll say it again, the only people having problems are the people with illegal copies, and I dont care what you say! So stop complaining and purchase your software for once in your life, on another note how many people own a legal version of Nero? Yeah exactly none of you most likely! No wonder Linux is so popular you are all a bunch of f**ken cheap skates, and you probably eat at Taco Bell!
I'm all for anti piracy schemes that work and don't get in the way of the legit user.But, I think Microsoft is using the power of their monopoly in the OS market to protect their interests in other software like Office. It gives them an unfair edge over competing developers. Of course they are not going to verify my word perfect license, so why do they get to use the "critical OS update" as an opportunity to check for unlicensed software that has nothing to do with the OS?
OK. I tried out XP. Not knowing the pirate thingymabob. Do I give a rats beeehind? No. No different than GM or Ford putting out a new car. Either I like it or I don't. And just because I drive it, does not mean I want to. That is Gates fault. Hey, I lived just fine "WITHOUT a computer" before - it isss just a fancy-dancy typewriter - and I can do so again. BG loses. I get no headaches.(or a$$aches) Besides that, what are you actually getting for the money in an improved version, or an update...anything you can see? No you can't see. It just acts differently(maybe).Do viruses bug me - no. Does WGA bug me - no again. It is programming. If he wants to write a program to mess up my hardware,(same as viral) I will counter that measure. The hardware is mine...not rented from him. If he wants to claim the programming to be his then the viral infections are also his responsibility. How many dudes out here buy their auto parts from the dealership and how many get their stuff at a jobbers? No body goes back to the dealer for stock parts when they can get special tuned products for their vehicle. Linux is sitting there waiting for me to install it. I learned(and relearned -and relearned Windows with every new version....I can learn Linux as well as Apple if I must play. There is more to life than a stupid computer(beer for example, I havn't tasted them all yet. Or rye, or sex, drugs and rock and roll.
orlandogeekJul 3, 2006
You know normally I frown at all of the Microsoft bashing that goes on, because most of it seems uninformed and unjustified. However, no matter how much I may like Microsoft, they not only crossed the line here, they took a flying leap over it. By every definition we have come to accept, this program is spyware. I too use automatic updates, and have seen this thing come back even though I've declined it and chosen not to have it presented to me again. Whomever's decision this was over in the House of Bill, it was most certainly the wrong one. I cant see that it's doing any good. I take technical support calls and numerous people have seen this, but when I try to explain it to them they are mystified and clueless (as per mostly usual). I cant see how it's actually helping since these people that are seeing it will just ignore it and pretend it's not there because they don't know any better.
vixiecronJul 4, 2006
I know this has been said about 1e43 times, but there's a simple solution to all of this:Don't buy Microsoft products, no matter how seductive the games, office products, etc. happen to be. If you get it for free (say on that new shiny computer of yours), ditch it anyway. Grab a copy of Ubuntu (for an easier time) or Gentoo (for a leap into the deep end) or any of the other Linux distributions. Free software will, well, set you free.Their software seems to work okay for the most part when patched. The problem is that apparently you have to have a close personal father-daughter relationship with their update software to keep it patched. I personally find this unacceptable. They should verify that the operating system is legal *once* and then leave the users the hell alone. You know, it sometimes almost seems like they *want* to lose customers...Then again, maybe it's just me. I am an odd sort of fellow after all.
magadassJul 4, 2006
I'll say it again, the only people having problems are the people with illegal copies, and I dont care what you say! So stop complaining and purchase your software for once in your life, on another note how many people own a legal version of Nero? Yeah exactly none of you most likely! No wonder Linux is so popular you are all a bunch of f**ken cheap skates, and you probably eat at Taco Bell!
stevlandJul 6, 2006
RemoveWGA<a class="user" href="http://www.firewallleaktester.com/removewga.htm">http://www.firewallleaktester.com/removewga.htm</a>click. click. done.
joebluntJul 21, 2006
I'm all for anti piracy schemes that work and don't get in the way of the legit user.But, I think Microsoft is using the power of their monopoly in the OS market to protect their interests in other software like Office. It gives them an unfair edge over competing developers. Of course they are not going to verify my word perfect license, so why do they get to use the "critical OS update" as an opportunity to check for unlicensed software that has nothing to do with the OS?
friedemannJul 26, 2009
OK. I tried out XP. Not knowing the pirate thingymabob. Do I give a rats beeehind? No. No different than GM or Ford putting out a new car. Either I like it or I don't. And just because I drive it, does not mean I want to. That is Gates fault. Hey, I lived just fine "WITHOUT a computer" before - it isss just a fancy-dancy typewriter - and I can do so again. BG loses. I get no headaches.(or a$$aches) Besides that, what are you actually getting for the money in an improved version, or an update...anything you can see? No you can't see. It just acts differently(maybe).Do viruses bug me - no. Does WGA bug me - no again. It is programming. If he wants to write a program to mess up my hardware,(same as viral) I will counter that measure. The hardware is mine...not rented from him. If he wants to claim the programming to be his then the viral infections are also his responsibility. How many dudes out here buy their auto parts from the dealership and how many get their stuff at a jobbers? No body goes back to the dealer for stock parts when they can get special tuned products for their vehicle. Linux is sitting there waiting for me to install it. I learned(and relearned -and relearned Windows with every new version....I can learn Linux as well as Apple if I must play. There is more to life than a stupid computer(beer for example, I havn't tasted them all yet. Or rye, or sex, drugs and rock and roll.