Windows Authentication: Reasonable And Gentle?

Spinner

The Register has posted an article discussing Microsoft's recently announced plans to clamp down on illegal installations of Windows. It's a good read, if a little worrying.

Microsoft recently announced its latest ploy to extort more money from the public and further strengthen their software monopoly: they want to make you pay for a legal copy of Windows before you get any OS add-on features or updates. To make matters worse, they are even extending this restriction to security updates, potentially placing millions of software pirates and their families at risk. At least that's the way that some people see it.

Source: The Register

Tex

Really not that big a worry. They are targeting what they think is 23 percent of the new PC's sold with illegal copies. That target is easier to hit then the hackers. They want the greatest benefit with least work on their side. The hackers are a much much smaller market and much much harder to shut down. The cost/benefit to hit them hard is way out of proportion.

Do not take this as me condoning piracy in any form. I am simply looking at the big picture and reading between the lines.

Tex

Private_Snoball

Wait a minute, are they saying that people that stole Microsoft's software aren't going to get support from Microsoft anymore? astonishing. I say good for you Microsoft.

deepsea

I just want them to make the authentification software more user friendly. I routinely upgrade system components, and after just a few, you have to re-up with MS. I spent more than half an hour trying to get my LEGAL COPY of Windows XP Pro re-authenticated after installing a new video card and sound card. That's actual time with the Indian fellow, after trying the automated system and then spending 8-10 minutes on hold to get a live body. Needless to say, I was pissed. Maybe they should spend a little more time making the system useable before they try to make it a worldwide headache.