What is Digg?179 Comments
- JonForTheWin, on 10/12/2007, -44/+151 . . Ubuntu GNU/Linux doesn't treat you like a criminal.
Imagine if "trusted" computing were a reality. Some of don't know what "trusted computing" is yet? It's relevant, so take a look at this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1H7omJW4TI - matthall28, on 10/12/2007, -7/+105and my illegal version of XP validates perfectly...
- blatch, on 10/12/2007, -4/+88I work at a PC shop and I have personally worked on dozens of cases like this. The solution? Call Microsoft or hack it out manually. WPAKill helps, too.
- ricepudd, on 10/12/2007, -2/+71It's genuinely advantageous to Microsoft's bank account
- baxtermaddux, on 10/12/2007, -6/+72i hear future versions of WGA will be able to crawl off your hard drive, handcuff you, take you outside and sodomize you and have you airlifted by a blackhawk headed for Gitmo
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+41WGA accused my Dad of being a pirate. On a brand new Dell machine.
Anyways, it took forever to get it sorted (phone calls, emails). So weeks later, I visit my dad and check out his computer. Guess what? The computer was still not "activated". Couldn't access windowsupdate. Sigh.
Microsoft and Security: They've heard of it. - Filter, on 10/12/2007, -13/+51How were these validated as being legit copies? Are you sure they didn't want to admit that they borrowed their friends copy or downloaded a copy from the internet?
I've worked in a PC shop too and I know how that works. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -10/+47Microsoft to Customer: ***** You, buy our products, oh ya, and ***** You
...
...
ya, ***** You(just to be sure) - kazsymonds, on 10/12/2007, -5/+42Im still yet to see the "Advantage"
Suppose anything with "genuine" in the title isnt really going to be genuine. - Goosemaster, on 10/12/2007, -4/+37Ubuntu does have it's act together. While the default install of 6.10 might seem plain as ever to the untrained eye, it is extremely powerful ( it's linux) and yet extremely user friendly.
-Their little synaptic add on (add/remove programs) is simple as pie.
-Updating the system is easy as pie.
-Installing Wine, while not completely fumb-duck-proof, only takes a few commands (to get automatix2 working), and then installing a windows app is just point and click *looks over at Dreamweaver*
The main issue, as has been addressed countless times, is wireless support, and that isn't ubuntu or any distro's fault. Ubuntu, even paired up with the venerable network-manager, still requires crap like ndiswrapper and other weird workarounds to work. Keep in mind that I mean crap as in how it conflicts with the otherwise simplistic and user-friendliness of the rest of the system.
If you have wired networking however you are all set....
Don't make the mistake of discounting ubuntu...it's really going places. - baxtermaddux, on 10/12/2007, -10/+39cheap sex and cheaper software. a damn fine place by my standards
- Heracles, on 10/12/2007, -1/+29I live in Thailand and sometimes I doubt that there is a single official Windows license here. If you want to buy a computer at, let's say an official Acer dealer, they tell you straight up that the computer comes with a pre-installed cracked Windows XP version. Even once, at a police station, the officer complained about his pc because it kept saying it wasn't genuine. I can't really blame MS for trying to do something about it.
- mediaphile, on 10/12/2007, -7/+35Apple will never do this, because in order for their operating system to run on any old PC hardware, it would have to be much more "bloated", the same thing that Windows is often criticized for. The reason Apple can keep their OS so clean and efficient is because they control the hardware it runs on. The reason Microsoft wins in the business market center is because it's written in a way such that it can be run on pretty much any set of hardware, no matter how cheap. As long as Steve Jobs is in charge of Apple, they will never sell their OS as a standalone product.
- BlackAdderIII, on 10/12/2007, -4/+28"""cheap sex and cheaper software. a damn fine place by my standards"""
Yeah, except when you get there the straight women turn out to be men, and the cheap software turns out to be windows.
I think I'll go to Bognor next year, hahaha. - ScottMaximus1, on 10/12/2007, -3/+23I also agree, My pirated and legal copies of XP validate.
- STKD, on 10/12/2007, -0/+19I experienced the "fun" of WGA a year or so ago when my IBM Thinkpad with preinstalled OEM copy of XP (straight from the recovery partition) suddenly decided it wasn't genuine. So, all those people saying "Ah but is your copy really genuine? Admit it, you pirated it." can seriously shut up. It does happen to legitimate installs. How do you think people could write articles on this in major PC magazines and on websites if it wasn't a known problem?
Ended up reinstalling and got all my updates from elsewhere once I reactivated. Yet I know plenty of people who do run pirate copies that validate just fine.
It's like anti-piracy ads on genuine DVD'S. The only ones who even see them or have to deal with them are the legitimate purchasers. Sad. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -3/+21@mediaphile
They're German. It's not their first language.
You should go try making a video and spell everything correctly, in German.
http://www.lafkon.net/tc/ - theMurdocVolta, on 10/12/2007, -6/+22My friend using Borg Edition is Jealous of my illegal copy that passes.
That makes using Windows all worth it! - orientis, on 10/12/2007, -3/+17That TCPA stuff doesn't sound fun. I doubt it will pass, but if it did.. Do you think that might be the beginning of open-source and free software as a real giant? Perhaps start a new freedom of information revolution?
I just don't see a scheme like this working. Almost every single DRM or data-encryption method will be broken, has been broken. If even Microsoft AND Apple's OSX were a part of this scheme, plus the major hardware manufacturers, I would predict a massive increase in use of Linux; and smaller companies taking up the hardware production. Companies would just move offshore and the US would become a technology backwater. That's what I think anyway. - orientis, on 10/12/2007, -27/+41Yez zybch, Microsoft are not as evil as the US government, well done.
- dbr_onix, on 10/12/2007, -3/+15"And that's why WGA exists in the first place. If people like you didn't pirate then there would be no need. Thanks."
Your looking at this the wrong way.
As long as software, or music, or films etc costs money, there *will be piracy*. Things like DRM, anti-copy measures and such are simply there to help encourage people to legally purchase the software/DVD/CD. But, when the DRM/anti-copy measures start causing people to pirate, it's screwed up..
StarForce is a good example, it installed stuff (drivers/software) that prevents copying, and the use of things like Alcohol 120%, fine, but it also caused a lot of people's CD drives to stop working, cause BSOD's and such, to the point where many people refused to buy games protected with it. But, if you downloaded the same game, you can copy it, or "mount" it so you don't need to continually change disks to play different games..
Which is more tempting - Spending money, buying a CD that will stop your CD drive from working, make your computer unstable, and stop you backing up the game. Or, downloading the game, being able use virtual-CD software, burn a disk, trasnfer it to other computers easily?
Anti-copy measures are simply designed to stop piracy in the first few days (Where a lot of the revenue will come from), it should not be treated in a "If we use this method, no one will every be able to pirate it!" - If you can read the content at all, someone can bypass the copy protection.
Instead, companies should make it easier to buy the software legally
- Ben - MidwestHeresy, on 10/12/2007, -10/+21It's a little thing called software interoperability. I'll ditch windows the second my favorite games and work-related software are compatible with other OS's... until then I'll stick with the pain in the ass XP. Is it a perfect solution? By no means, but I'm not so much of a purist that I'll sacrifice all the reasons I own a computer in the first place just to not be hassled by M$.
- digibec, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12This happened to me with my HP Laptop that I purchased NEW from Circuit City less than 6 months before. The laptop has the COA sticker on it, I have all the disks that came with it and my receipt of purchase. SOOOOOO frustrating!
- CoolWind, on 10/12/2007, -9/+20I wish people would stop telling us to use Linux instead of Windows.
- Stonekeeper, on 10/12/2007, -13/+23Why do you windows users put up with this? It absolutely baffles me.It's like you're on crack or something.
- adamc80, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11I remember it being 1993 and running Workbench 3.0 on my Amiga A1200+. All my word processing was done in Wordsworth, a nifty and customizable (themes etc.) word processor that came free with it!!!!
GOD THOSE WERE THE DAYS!!!!!!! - hobbers, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11Mark, most people don't build $2500 machines just to skimp on an $80 OEM license. Most people are building $700 office/light gaming machines. Also, I never recall seeing a copy of XP Pro for $80.
- vbrtrmn, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13Check out AntiWPA, as well.
- rderveloy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9You're computer will fail WGA if the system clock is inaccurate. I had this happen on my old laptop.
The Fix:
Replace the small battery used for the system clock and set the time. - Whoblah, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10If it's the updates you need, I suggest AutoPatcher. It's a godsend when reformatting/installing/repairing Windows systems and saves me _A LOT_ of time and bandwidth.
http://www.autopatcher.com/
They have a monthly release cycle and torrents, check it out:
http://torrent.autopatcher5.mirror.ineedhosting.net/ - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Pirates look at legal users bitching to M$ that their WGA windows doesn't work and laugh. The pirated version is precracked when u download it. The one you have to pay for needs to be "validated." I actually think the pirated version has more value to me.
- brstilson, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8Ubuntu spam can be annoying even for those who like the OS.
- blankoboy, on 10/12/2007, -17/+24If Ubuntu were to get it's act together - become much much more user friendly, prettier and possibly compatibility with some Windows apps combined with some smart marketing, they could give Microsoft a run for it's money.
That said, if Steve Jobs were an evil man (I suspect he is), he could waltz right up on stage and announce that OSX is now officially supported for use on PC hardware. That would be a huge stab in Microsoft's pocketbook IMO. Sure, they'd still be getting their corporate license $ but the tide would begin to turn. At this point Microsoft would be begging for us to come back. Dropping prices and promising to remove WGA and even throw Direct X 10 into XP (I jest!).
But then we know Apple will never make OSX officially supported on PC hardware....sigh. A man can dream right? - baxtermaddux, on 10/12/2007, -13/+20Ystig
did not mean to ruffle you "liberal" feathers, but i wasnt refering to anything like that. i was refering to the masses of hot 20 year old girls that pick up guys in thailand at the bars and bang em for a few bucks. nothing wrong with that - baxtermaddux, on 10/12/2007, -9/+16"You really think they do it voluntarily and enjoy it? pathetic"
are you talking about the poor girls you have slept with? cause that would make sense - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+10My illegal copy validated fine as well, took a couple keys but it worked
- alx242, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6@BlackAdderIII:
Unfortunately run by one the worst managements ever...:(
Think if we where all running Amiga 9000 or whatever now...how wonderful the world could have been. - saska, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I just installed Edubuntu on a desktop I built for my son and I was sorely disappointed.
I've been a Linux user for nearly a decade. I used to build troubleshooting systems and install Linux on them daily in a test lab. I'm used to having to fight with the device drivers, manually ferret out and activate USB devices, bang my head against the desk while attempting to activate sound, and settle for crappy resolution out of my $200 video card.
But Edubuntu installed without any intervention on my part, it booted up in the native 1680x1050 resolution for my video card and LCD, sound was working from the get-go, and my 6 year old informed me I could go do something else because he didn't need my help getting around the desktop. I've become obsolete! - Lorian, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Mark: Because you can't pirate hardware.
- 00tony, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8I bought a PC from Dell and it did not pass WGA!
- msgyrd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I wouldn't care if Windows sucked, but the fact that the users keep bitching about it and refuse to switch gets annoying. Don't like what MS is feeding you? Jump ship or STFU and deal with it.
I'm tired of seeing all the pro linux/apple and anti-MS articles, and I'm a 100% linux user. Those who care about it will seek out alternatives on their own, those who don't will ignore every frontpage article from now until forever. - prammy, on 10/12/2007, -6/+11I used to work at a shop selling PCs. We had many customers who would _ask_ us to install pirated software. We refused to do that, and some of the people just went and got it from other stores who would install something shady on the side for a small amount.
I did suggest free or cheaper alternatives, but a few of those people would rather pirate software than get it legally. If someone is a graphic designer and _need_ photoshop or illustrator for your work, then they should shell out the money to buy what they need. - protocolor, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6I'm a system administrator and for a while it was happening on new installs using our university volume license key. I found the fix here, and it doesn't happen anymore, so they must have patched it:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/916247 - kravex, on 10/12/2007, -7/+12"At that point no one will care what operating system they are using"
We'll care when all of the software we have doesn't run on it.... - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I went over to the UK one summer in the early 90's. Unlike in the states, Amiga 2000s, 3000s and 4000s were nowhere to be found. There were LOTS of Amigas, but they were all A500s and A1200s with either 512KB or 2MB. No extra RAM. No hard drives. No SCSI, no CD ROMS, no ZIP drives. And 1960/1942 type SVGA monitors - I didn't see ONE in the UK. No one expanded the machines in Europe.
I firmly believe the Amiga could have been a contender in Europe if the machines weren't all so uselessly underpowered. My buddies in the UK didn't even know what the Workbench was, because they never used it, because they had no RAM, and no harddrive. It was sad, and I really wish things could have been different because the UK had the most passionate and amazing Amiga nuts I EVER found anywhere - they just wouldn't spend the dosh on the hardware that would have made a difference.
Amiga could'a been a contenda! - BlackAdderIII, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Glad to see we have some Commodore users around here. One of the best computer companies there has ever been, if not the best.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7WGA is designed to drive revenue for MSFT and there's absolutely no incentive for them to be accurate. You can have a passive aggressive little snit fit if you want, but unless you're willing to switch to Mac or Linux you'll have to either pester MSFT into submission or pay up, even if it's not justified.
What's going to be interesting is figuring out where the revenue is going to come from after they've squeezed the little people for all they can get out of you. - clyde2801, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7You're all Redmond's bitches. Bill's slapping you around with XP validation, and pimping you to Hollywood and Nashville with Vista. Spyware, adware, malware? Bill doesn't care if its bending you over every day, as long as he gets his money.
Yeah, I know that Enterprise and business will keep using Windows because its the standard. But if the home and consumer users either buy a Mac or install Linux instead of buying Vista, it will get Redmond's attention. Until that happens, windows users will get more of the same. - zatrix, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4M$ makes its money from licenses not our petty cash. So what if Apple will become usable on any hardware. You think companies will switch over to Apple? Forget it.
- Trat, on 10/12/2007, -5/+9Validation is one of the main reasons I ditched Windows and switched to OSX. Every time, MS treats you as a criminal and the debacle gets even worse in Vista. I didn't want to boggle about it anymore and spend money on something as (ultra) unproductive as this.
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