Does this report home, every day, as well?
Microsoft Corp. acknowledged Wednesday that it needs to better inform users that its tool for determining whether a computer is running a pirated copy of Windows also quietly checks in daily with the software maker.
The company said the undisclosed daily check is a safety measure designed to allow the tool, called Windows Genuine Advantage, to quickly shut down in case of a malfunction. For example, if the company suddenly started seeing a rash of reports that Windows copies were pirated, it might want to shut down the program to make sure it wasn’t delivering false results.
Lazar said the company added the safety measure because the piracy check, despite widespread distribution, is still a pilot program. He said the company was worried it might have an unforeseen emergency that would require the program to terminate quickly. But he acknowledged Microsoft should have given users more information about the daily interactions.
Lazar also said the company plans to tweak the program soon so it will only check in with Microsoft every two weeks, rather than daily.
Uh-huh.
you people are morons. get off of the “lets bash microsoft” bandwagon, because you think its the cool thing to do. . if you dont like it, switch to linux. NOBODY CARES IF YOU DO.
#3
Very irritating comments. You are attempting to ridicule people for their very natural concerns. Why? Do you understand that Microsoft is making violating your privacy by contacting itself from YOUR COMPUTER, in secrecy? Hasn’t it occured to you that people may feel vulnerable when it comes to their computer because it is such a private domain? Not only that, privacy is very precious commodity, which more and more people are attacking saying that it is not protected by the Constitution. Many personal freedom and our rights to privacy have become luxuries that some are claiming that we can not afford. If behemoths such as Microsoft keep attacking our personal liberties, then possibly, Americans will eventually lose them, as have so many others around the world. Undisclosed, invasive activity by any company is therefore disconcerting. When the company is as large as Microsoft, it’s unacceptable. Big brother and all. It speaks to whether or not you want to live in a world where Microsoft vulgarly invades your life because you brought a lousy $300 program. When since $300 brought peek-a-boo rights? What did we do sell our souls or buy a lousy operating system ? Microsoft is BIG BUSINESS; Most users are just ordinary folks. Who do you think will get the short end of the stick? Why do you even bother to read a board such as this if you have so little self esteem as a computer user? Microsoft hasno respect for you and your comment shows that that suits you fine, cause you have very littl respect for yourself.
PS: If there is anything that I hate, it’s a program deciding to “phonehome” without my permission. I MUST get rid of this thing. But I have no idea where it’s located. Anyone know for sure? Pls don’t write and tell me to delete unspecified dll files. That’s just too vague.
You are a 13 yr old ass. I have never called anyone a moron in my life, yet I constatly witness this sort of sociopathic behavior on the net. Get your parent’s permission first next time. Just tiresome, how rude your little generation is. If you’re 13 physically, then you are 13 mentally. Learn to respect your fellow (hu)man.
PS
Above comment was directed at “Joe”.
“windows has completely updated your computer. No, we didn’t bother to ask if you wanted the update, we just did it. Don’t complain (well, you can but we won’t listen) we pretty much own your computer anyway so we can do whatever we want. Ha ha ha. You must restart your computer for the updates to take effect. ”
Error number 666-666-666-666-666-666
Lesser of 2 evils, is still an evil.
Microsoft is a monopoly. Deal with it, or get off the computers. End of discussion.
Oh btw.. 200 dollars for XP-home and 300 for XP Pro.
is it any wonder Microsoft software is being pirated?
With all the bugs and security holes it in, its not worth 75 bucks, let alone 200!