ZDNet Blogs – Ed Bott – June 27, 2006:
Last week, a correspondent on Dave Farber’s Interesting People list posted some comments about his experiences with Windows OneCare Live. In the middle of the post, he added this tidbit:
“I like to review updates before they are installed. The only update that I have not installed is the latest WGA because of the security issues related to it.
I called Microsoft support to see if there is a hidden option to say, “yep, I’ve got updates turned to manual… it’s okay.” The rep said, “No and why wouldn’t you want to get the latest updates to Windows.”
He told me that in the fall, having the latest WGA will become mandatory and if its not installed, Windows will give a 30 day warning and when the 30 days is up and WGA isn’t installed, Windows will stop working, so you might as well install WGA now.’“
That can’t be true, can it? I’m always suspicious of any report that comes from a front-line tech support drone, so I sent a note to Microsoft asking for an official confirmation or, better yet, a denial. Instead, I got this terse response from a Microsoft spokesperson:
“As we have mentioned previously, as the WGA Notifications program expands in the future, customers may be required to participate. Microsoft is gathering feedback in select markets to learn how it can best meet its customers’ needs and will keep customers informed of any changes to the program.”
That’s it. That’s the entire response.
Activation HAS stopped legitimate users from using their computers. I know of recording studios IN THE MIDDLE OF A SESION WITH CLIENTS were xp decided it needed reactivation and the owner treated by MS like a pirate over the phone.
Since it seems didn’t bother/controlled as much as they wanted, the went to the next step: WGA
XP is the fastest current OS. At leas in Gui responsiveness. I own a mac with Tiger on it. It’s a bit old but anyway. And my PC dual boots XP and Ububtu.
I’m sorry people, but the best system in responsiveness is XP. For graphics apps OSX is undoubtely better. Linux is neither. And it still lacks important aplications.
Of course, 90% of users could use Linux. They pratically check online mail, browse the Net, and respond to mails. Even Open Office is very usable for the majority of users. Power users have bad luck with Linux, it lacks so much Apps that you just can’t do without…
And also I agree with #1, it will be broken in some way and M$ will no do a lot to prevent it.
Honestly, If WGA becomes required for windows to function, I will just switch to Linux as my main OS. I have purchased way to many copies of windows to be treated like a criminal. I feel sooo sorry for those that will have to put up with Microsofts BS because they don’t know how to use any of the other OS’s out there. I do agree that Linux isn’t ready for the main stream market but at least there are those of us who can switch. Shame on you Bill……
With the exception of Quicken and Tax Break, Linux does most everything I need it to do. I may get a Mac mini to fill in the gaps, but I’m waiting until 10.5 comes out. And here is something else I don’t need, virus protection, multiple spyware detectors, and M$ licensing nonesense. The only thing it cost was the $0.50 for the CD to burn the Ubuntu iso to.
I have declined the Windows Genuine Advantage to be installed. I will be very upset if MicroSoft surreptitiously installs it on my computer. I will be even more upset if, for whatever reason, MicroSoft turns off my Operating System.
Can you spell CLASS ACTION. Can you say damages exceeding the cost of the OS in the first place? Forget about massive migration to Vista, Linux, or Apple. There are far too many computers out there too slow to run Vista and can’t run Apple. And most people don’t want to learn anything about the command line. People will be pissed if MS screws XP, but won’t rush to newer systems.
After re-doing my mothers pc and having Microsoft tell me I had an “illegal” serial number (taken off the Microsoft sticker on the pc) and after getting countless messages upon boot and login accusing me of being a software pirate, I have forgone the spyware, virus laden operating system and installed Kubuntu-no more accusations by Microsoft, no more re-boots, and my mother loves it !
The most responsive OS is XP? Did you drink what Britney’s drinking, or did Mills-McCartney hit you with her leg? Hell, Microsoft Office… running non-native on an Intel based MBP… is still a faster application than the last three flavors of Office for Windows.
Greg already owned Improbus. You can appologize for your ignorance at any time, Imp.
Grated J.Hilll, I didn’t sample neither of the new intel Macs…so it’s not a fair comparison…
But one thing hit me when reading rants over vista in cagematch…The entry level machine will dramatically be faster in Vista days… which is great news for the rest of us using Linux or XP…unless the Vista effect just goes down the drain (which it won’t, because Vista acceptance and market share will be imposed on us by OEM brands…)