What is Digg?113 Comments
- missflibbles, on 10/12/2007, -6/+99We can't get anything done in America without drawing a lawsuit. Corporations obviously don't listen to what their customers want, so we have to force them to fix things they screw up. Sony's DRM is another big example of that.
- Dracker, on 10/12/2007, -1/+51Interestingly, I've blocked this update, and telling Automatic Updates (which I've set to notify only) never to show it to me again is ineffective: It comes back as an important update every week.
I'm seriously considering disabling updates entirely and switching to Autopatcher - http://autopatcher.com/ - on the one computer I own still running Windows. - Recoiler, on 10/12/2007, -0/+34"Microsoft has dropped elements of its Windows Genuine Advantage Notification"
". . .elements. . ."
Its not the whole thing they've dropped. - kristov, on 10/12/2007, -2/+35Legal vs. Illegal is determined by Income vs. Cost of Lawsuit.
- OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -2/+24[quote]Where do you guys obtain your copies of XP?[/quote]
Some guy with a peg leg and a parrot traded it to me for a cheap bottle o' rum.
"Arrr, matey. Best ye be mindful of those Geniune Advantage notifications, that's what I say. I've seen an entire ship swallowed whole by one of the devilish beasties! They come in the night, when you least expect it, and WHAM! No more ship. How do you think I lost me leg!" - M2Ys4U, on 10/12/2007, -2/+19Legitimate users get cought up in WGA too, you know.
- chrono13, on 10/12/2007, -1/+17It still phones home. Just less often. That is the biggest change from what I can tell.
The changes:
1) Phone home a little less often.
2) EULA will explain that WGA is to protect you. "This is for your protection." and that MS is not be to held accountable... so on and so forth. Overall a *little* easier to understand what it is and what it does - but I doubt it will disclose how nefarious it is.
3) Update changed from "Critical" to "High" - drwatson, on 10/12/2007, -1/+17The problem is there are many computers out there with legitimate keys that are being nagged. I have one computer that refuses to boot into Windows because of WGA. It just doesnt work very well.
- drinkGreen, on 10/12/2007, -6/+22"Can we do anything in America without drawing a lawsuit?"
fisticuffs? - JamesWilson, on 10/12/2007, -0/+15AS STATED ABOVE NUMEROUS TIMES
the issue is that it is not written well and incorrectly identifies legit software as being pirated. - V1ncent, on 10/12/2007, -7/+21ET phoned home and no one sued.
- butlershouse, on 10/12/2007, -1/+14the thing is :
I know this one chap with a Dell Pc fresh out of the box. His Office XP install is based on his Open Assurance Certification ( so its current ) and his software is totally legit ( for a change ) .. So Why is WGA nagging him that his installation may be illegal ? - kremvax, on 10/12/2007, -0/+13For those interested in disarming the WGA spyware, I've found this handy guide:
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/04/26/disable-and-remove-windows-genuine-advantage-notifications-nag-screen/ - r121, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12Windows checking to see if my copy is legit is like that which you hear everytime there is news of illegal wiretapping and surveillance: "If you're not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about." I'm sorry, but if my copy is legal, I don't want it sneaking around behind my back checking to make sure. It's ridiculous to use software that inherently does not trust you.
- Optimus, on 10/12/2007, -3/+15>>All WGA did was make sure you aren't stealing Windows, and thats not a problem (unless you use a pirated copy of Windows).
Whatever. Have you missed report after report of legit copies being flagged as non genuine? Or do you just dismiss them all as lies? - Technopundit, on 10/12/2007, -17/+29Yes, in America we file lawsuits. We've found it preferable to the system of mob rule. I the case of Microsoft's WGA, neither tar and feathers nor lynching seemed necessary.
- tavisjohn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11"It came up for me once, I chose for it not to update and to not notify me again, and it hasnt bothered me since. Where do you guys obtain your copies of XP?"
It was pre-Installed on my laptop. My laptop is rather new (purchased December 2005) and that damn WGA POS told me my copy of Windows was not legit, and offered me a discount on a legit copy! My laptop is an ACER and it has the OFFICIAL STICKER on the bottom!!! I am not about to waste a day of my life trying to get Microsoft to to realize that my copy of windows is LEGAL! - M2Ys4U, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12Autopatcher is an amazing litle tool, especially if you service people's PCs or reinstall Windows often
- brandizzle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10I'm all for it if the ***** thing will WORK CORRECTLY. But it doesn't. So I'm against it. When they're actually able to tell the difference between the pirated copies and the legal ones then I doubt it will have as much resistance.
- doolittle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10@chubbly0
The WGA tool collects more info than the XP key:
"Microsoft's Calling Home Problem: It's a Matter of Informed Consent"
http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20060608002958907
"* Windows product key
* PC manufacturer
* Operating System version
* PID/SID
* BIOS information (make, version, date)
* BIOS MD5 Checksum
* User locale (language setting for displaying Windows)
* System locale (language version of the operating system)
* Office product key (if validating Office)
* Hard drive serial number"
So since it collects "PC manufacturer", "BIOS info/checksum", and the "HDD serial #" I would definitely classify this as spyware, regardless of how or why this info is being used.
We have the right to block it if we want to since it is information that is specific to our system, not windows. My systems are 100% legit and I block this since it is a privacy issue. From the system admin standpoint MS went too far in collecting this info. - MacSuxWindozSux, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10I own my copy of WindowsXP got it the day it came out.
I just don't like my comp phoning microsoft telling them about anything they'd like to know. If they never knew I existed I'd be happy.
People underestimate this problem, trusting at least a little that any information is limited to say something like your cd-key or a few codes only.
You cant trust a corporation. Their only real goal is to make a profit, it's their reason for existing. If they have the means to easily gain consumer information, private data like names, email, what apps you use, legal vs. illegal, etc. they will use it to their advantage. They'll probably sell it.
I doubt they're collecting credit card numbers, but they're certainly telling their partners about your email address. - OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10@cgranade
Absolutely correct. Such gaping vulnerabilities are not suitable for a secure environment of any kind. Can you imagine MS having a backdoor into the US military's networks? They very well can if you have auto updates and WGA enabled.
WGA was installed without warning, MS could do the same with a killswitch or spyware (or ads?), or just sabotage any software you have installed. Like, say, your file associations mysteriously switch from Winamp back to WMP every day, or your searches get switched to MSN from Google.
The key point here is that users must have full control over their systems. Operating systems must be completely transparent, and secure from covert intrusions and spying by ANYONE. - OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11Microsoft is like the US government. Until there's a revolt (even in the peaceful form of a lawsuit), they just don't listen.
Let this be a lesson to you all. This is not only a problem in the US, every government and corporation is inherently corrupt. That is why there are "checks and balances" in the US to prevent any single group or individual from gaining too much power and why governments without such safeguards degenerate into tyrannical regimes.
Unfortunately, the DoJ and FCC are much more lenient on monopolies in the US than the Constitution intended! - OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11MS's software is so 1999.
- isemism, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12>> No one cares about your linux machine, this is about XP.
No, its about an expensive unstable operating system, so Linux can most definately be part of the discussion, being a viable alternative.
>> If you can't afford to use it, then don't pirate it. Just because you're 15 and won't get a job doesn't mean >> you should drive prices up for the rest of us legit customers.
I didn't realize I was 15, and yes I have a job. Probably a better job than you'll ever get. I have better things to pay for then the "right" to use the software. Like rent. (It sure is hard to be 15 and live by my poor little self). On top of that, its the hardware thats important to me, not you poor "legit" customers. I could give a rats ass about the price you pay.
>> Go ahead, mod me down, I know diggbots hate hearing truthful statements :)
I didnt digg you down, because, however insulting your point was, you have a point. Thats fine. Its just your version of the truth. - repruhsent, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9They didn't drop the program; in fact I read that in the fall they might make participation mandatory. The new version just phones home less often.
- Technopundit, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8It keeps coming up with new or updated versions and additions to WGA. Not all PC's are hit simultaneously. That's why some users tell WGA to go away and it stays away (for the time being) and some have been bothered by it more than once after telling update to skip the install. WGA is going to continue to be a bother, trying to find a way onto PC's until MS gets off this rag (if they ever do).
Best thing to do, IMHO, is to turn off Windows Update if you have a problem copy of Windows and WGA hasn't already installed (or if you've averted it so far). If a really important update comes along, keep an eye on sites like digg, then second source the update. Of course, better be sure there is an antivirus program working in your favor.
I'd like more details on Autopatcher. Wish they'd update their website. - cgranade, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8@chubbly0: As you've seen is exactly right. How would you ever tell? The potential for abuse of this kind of a system is profound, and why Windows is not to be taken seriously for security-sensitive operations. There is no means by which to audit the code running on your system.
- smtelegadis, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Mark my words it will be back in some other form. MS is notorious for renaming crappy products and services. I find it hard to believe that they will drop this endeavor so quickly.
- OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8That's not the problem. The problem is that MS has the capability to covertly install software on your PC if you have auto update enabled. There may be anything attached to those updates that MS wishes to add and you wouldn't know it until it was too late.
- sophiaperennis, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7The thing that strikes me the most, is that Microsoft released the WGA module as a critical update. Yes, I have a legitimate copy of Windows XP, that is not the issue.
So glad I can work on my iMac without issues like this. - usp8riot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Yes, nothing wrong with protecting your product until you start crossing the line of annoying your customer.
What do you mean "you guys". I don't work for Linux. And yes, I do use Linux sometimes and it is not a "revolution". If you don't know, Linux has been around for decades. - OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7I've never used auto updates for any software. The only updates I install are those that have already been verified to be safe. You have to be a fool to leave your PC open to covert changes.
Now everyone can see for themselves how foolhardy it is to do so.
MS did this, Sony tried to, ANY software vendor could do the same with an auto update if you do not check what it is you are installing! - verstohlen, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I've always been hesitant about updating my Windows with patches as it seems new patches, even though they fix some problems, seem to introduce new and sometimes worse problems than if it was just left alone.
This WGA fiasco makes me not want to update my Windows ever again! - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9"fisticuffs?"
a duel? - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+10I already made the smarter move by dropping them first. I'm now a proud member of the Ubuntu collective. That OS just flat out ROCKS. :)
- curunir, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6I don't think anybody here gets it yet. This isn't about stopping piracy. Guess what? WGA isn't even deployed in East Asia, where piracy is most rapant of all. More and more licenses will become marked "pirate" by Microsoft's servers over time - and you have no options when it happens other than either shell out $170 for a new license, or try a much more expensive lawsuit.
So this is about more revenue from Microsoft. *Maybe* if you bought a Dell or HP computer, and still have the sticker around somewhere, you can get your copy legitimized, but most people will be screwed. So, forget about "well, XP is fine, I don't need to upgrade to Vista". But when it comes out, you won't have the *option* to get a "legit" copy of XP - you'll be forced to upgrade.
So how long until the last "legitimate" version of XP is shut down by WGA? - usp8riot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I see it as just plain wrong. I paid for my copy. That wasn't enough, so I have to call MS or send my Windows info to MS online every time I install. Then it seemed when I wanted to update, they would make me install the validation software. Where is this all going? Is other software going to start thinking of this so for my 100 or so programs installed my connection is constantly being used for software identification? My firewall pops up enough with other programs having to phone home upon startup that don't even need to be accessing the internet. When I buy a CD or DVD, they don't do this. Atleast not yet and I highly doubt they will if we stop this lunacy at some point.
- iamhumble, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Current score.
Pirates 30,000,000
Microsoft 203
Got ta love those pirates. - TheSeeker11, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5If you're worried just Google for RemoveWGA.
- usayd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Haha, perhaps. I found this issue really amusing - dunno what they were thinking.
- rapiddemon, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Shouldn't the MS Windows division have been off working on something else like oh say Vista instead of some half-assed anti-piracy scheme that was invasive and obnoxious?
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+9I think Microsoft made a smart move by dropping this even though I think they may start it back up at a later date. I know they are trying to stop piracy of their Operating Systems but the phone home idea was not the best idea.
Side Note: I have never had a problem with this WGA on my computer but a friend actually bought a brand new dell off dell.com a few months ago. His system installed WGA recently and after reboot came up with the fact that he is running a pirated OS. Yay Dell? - doolittle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Already been done:
"User suing Microsoft over WGA notification, calling it spyware"
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Spyware/?p=837 - jaguar, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Your comment lacks any logical sense. Normally, I wouldn't dignify it with a response, but someone has to. I, for one, have purchased the software legally pre-installed on my Dell laptop. I have the luxury that if there ever is a problem to flip over my laptop and read off the number to Microsoft representative. It has been proven, time and again, that anti-piracy software often affects legitimate customers more than pirates, as pirates can usually crack the code. I happen to have a Linux distribution in the mail for a trial, and I dislike food from Taco Bell. I may be a cheapskate, but I don't resort to stealing. Sure, it doesn't compromise systems like most DRM, but it's hard to use a computer if it's flagged as illegal. The problem wouldn't be so bad if only Microsoft wasn't as intruding.
- jaguar, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3People have been stating that the title is inaccurate. I used the title of the article and a brief description by Google. Obviously, they conflict, and I apologize for not catching that. As for the WGA itself, I don't object to it on principle in verifying legal copies. What bothers me is its sometimes sneaky installation and constant badgering of legitimate customers. Thank you for my first front page promotion.
- Technopundit, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5So far, I've had more trouble keeping ants out of the kitchen than sidestepping WGA. C'mon, Microsoft, BRING IT ON!!!
- r00tus3r, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6Welcome skyshock21. So glad you could join us. :)
- doolittle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Funny you shoud mention that, if you are running linux you can run the MS download WGA program and correctly authenticate under the wine environment to download whatever software - like IE7 beta 3, I just tried it and worked like a champ.
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