New "Key" Mandatory in Windows For Updates

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Get ready to register with Microsoft if you want to update your Windows operating system. In a shift toward greater monitoring of personal computer systems and potentially less copying of software, Microsoft will require users to let the company place a software "key" on their systems if they want the free, regular system updates it provides.

Starting today, registration is mandatory for anyone seeking updates, such as the updated versions of its media player or graphics program, glitch fixes and other features the company may issue 10 or more times a year. It works with Windows XP and 2000.

Older systems don't require validation for updates.

Security updates are not part of the system. They can still be downloaded free without the validation process.

Source: Seattle Times

primesuspect

This is misleading.

They're talking about windows genuine advantage, which has been around for months now. You do not have to "register" your copy (which implies entering personal info like name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) - you simply have to run the genuine advantage validation tool, which checks to see if you have a pirated key.

More media scare tactics.

tcith

primesuspect wrote:

This is misleading.

They're talking about windows genuine advantage, which has been around for months now. You do not have to "register" your copy (which implies entering personal info like name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) - you simply have to run the genuine advantage validation tool, which checks to see if you have a pirated key.

More media scare tactics.

Sort of - but you are now forced to download the tool, in other genuine advantage schemes (like for their spyware killer progie) you could choose not to participate - now it is mandatory, without this check you are denied access to software updates and enhancements - only security updates can be obtained

entropy

Hm. This time it actually worked. Kudos to Microsoft, then. I don't need to say what I and every cracking group out there is thinking, though.

However, it's nice (and frankly, smart) of them to still allow security updates.

GHoosdum

I think if it works, that's a good thing. I don't have a problem with Microsoft trying to make sure that the only patch legit paid for copies of their OS. I wouldn't mind if they did the same for security updates - why allow thieves to update the security on their PCs?

Then again, I don't have any pirated copies on any of my PCs or any PCs I've built for family - I might feel differently if I did.

Rewired

GHoosdum wrote:

I wouldn't mind if they did the same for security updates - why allow thieves to update the security on their PCs?

Because unsecured PCs, bootleg or legit, would mean a less secure internet and working environment for all users. It's very respectable of Microsoft to continue distributing security patches to all.

muddocktor

I do see this as a further incentive for people building dedicated folding machines to switch from Win2K to Linux though. I can't believe they made this retroactive back to Win2K pro also, since it's nearing end of life status.

GHoosdum

I don't think it would cause too many folders to migrate from Win2K to Linux... you only have to prove the legitimacy of the install when you try to download premium content updates, like Media Player 10 and such - so a dedicated folding machine could still get all the security patches with none of the froof.

entropy

Cracked in under 24 hours

Saw it on Slashdot, and, sadly, it does work. It's just a simple trick, too