Posted on 12/17/2006 4:40:37 PM PST by MikefromOhio
Microsoft updates Vista in latest piracy crackdown
'Frankenbuild' update detects tampering of Vista code that would let users work around the OS' built-in activation system
Microsoft on Thursday released an update to Windows Vista that will shut down unauthorized versions of the OS that allow users to skip the product's activation system.
The move comes as pirated copies of Vista are already making the rounds, mere weeks after the product was released to business customers.
The update, which Microsoft has dubbed "frankenbuild," detects tampering of Windows Vista code that would allow users of the OS to work around the product's built-in activation system, which requires users to validate their copy of Vista with a product activation key to use the full version of the product after 30 days.
Frankenbuild mixes files from various test and final versions of the software. It will require only systems in which it detects specific tampering to go through a validation check for authenticity, according to a posting on the Windows Genuine Advantage blog.
If a version of Vista that has used a workaround to avoid product activation is detected, a user of that software will have 30 days before the OS goes into a reduced functionality mode, Microsoft said. In this mode, all users can do is access their existing files and surf the Web for an hour before having to log back on to the software.
The pirating of Windows has been a perennial problem for Microsoft, particularly in developing countries. The company began coming down hard against piracy last year with a widely criticized system it called Windows Genuine Advantage, which initially required users to validate their copies of Windows if they wanted to use Microsoft's update services.
Microsoft took its antipiracy campaign one step further with Vista by building the validation system directly into the OS. This system requires a Windows Vista user to validate the software through a product activation key within 30 days of using the OS to avoid having the software go into reduced functionality mode
It's really analogous to society in general I suppose. Criminals do bad things which in turn ruins it for the rest of us when governments take far reaching methods to prevent such behavior. For a perfect example of this, go to the pharmacy and try to buy a few boxes of Sudafed.
Watch it with the namecalling.
The fact is that the congressional report you've been waving in your hands was:
a.) a dog and pony show replete with Microsoft execs and the head of the MPAA
b.) took place over three years ago
c.) chock full of crap that has been hyped up and disproved over the course of those three years.
Dude Iggle, quit with the FUD already.
You're not convincing us to switch, Steve...
add:
Not saying that IP isn't an issue. But more often than not, DRM punishes honest consumers--something MS, the RIAA, and MPAA have all said "too bad."
It's no wonder that people are refusing MS and looking for alternatives. Linux is simply one such alternative.
I'm simply linking directly back to your original comments, so other posters can see your contradictory comments for themselves. As for calling names, clearly you are the one constantly doing that not only to me but many others on other threads, while I attempt to use verifiable links as my sources, just as when I link back to your coments. Try some links yourself, why don't you, and leave the frantic emotional displays out.
We'll let JimRob handle that...
AS for right now, QUIT posting to me and QUIT referencing ANY of my posts.
Understood?
Grow up, you'll have to finally start acting like an adult if you ever expect to be treated like one. If you're not capable and would rather run and hide from serious discussion, good and bye.
Read the last post and heed it...
Do NOT post to me, do NOT link to any of my posts.
Are we clear?
You're the stalker, as your posting history shows you attack me constantly from out of the blue and go straight to the name calling, this thread was a rare exception where I engaged you first but only because you created the thread. If you say you're finally going to quit attacking me and drop the name calling then good, but I'll take a wait and see attitude thanks to your obvious difficulties with the truth. I hope this is the end to your BS but I highly doubt it.
Gold Eagle Out
Wow, he's dense.
Wonder what part of "Don't post messages to me" he doesn't understand?
And he has the nerve to call you a stalker? Creepy...
GE, just give it up already! You act like you have a crush on the guy!
QUIT posting to me and QUIT referencing ANY of my posts.
Do it now.
Yes sir, gladly. I'll let you know as soon as he starts posting to or about me as well. Thank you very much, and Merry Christmas.
Well, if they made their top version of Vista ony $100 instead of $300+, it wouldn't be pirated as much.
Fully useable versions will be for sale in the plazas of Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Saigon, Beijing, etc.
Nothing is pirate proof.
WGA is so easily circumvented. Lots of sites will give you the updates without having to go through Microsoft, and lots of software is out there to fool the Microsoft mothership into believing you have a proper XP.
I was watching a show over the weekend about the markets in Russia and how you can pretty much find whatever you want too there....all of it pirated....
Oh yeah, but when I was there it was prior to that.
Panthip Plaza in central Bangkok is a 6 story mall full of every hardware store with every part you can imagine, and interspersed are about 50 or so sellers of every kind of software, DVD or MP3 imaginable. The cops patrol when they haven't been paid off, and patrons write what titles they want, the store person phones a contact in a nearby apartment and in 15 minutes a burned copy is delivered.
Its more brazen in Vietnam, real and pirated is sold side by side in mom and pop shops.
Even the markets in Mexico have piracy, though not so high tech or brazen, I've seen the same type of stuff in Guadalajara.
And of course, the old pirate bay offeres everything on line.
Yeah....
Iraq was almost 100% pirated when I was in Baghdad.
Qatar not so much...but the gold shops in Doha are unreal, and very very cheap compared to the US.
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