| Author |
Message |
    
Ktr
Citizen
Username: Katracho
Post Number: 31
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 2:23 pm: |     |
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002402071_microsoft26. html#23abc |
slipknot (slippy)
Citizen
Username: Zotts
Post Number: 136
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:17 pm: | |
Get a mac. |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 445
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:29 pm: | |
This isn't good. I can't remember the last time I actually bought a copy of windows.
But there is always a way around these things, so I won't be getting a mac anytime. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 703
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:37 pm: | |
Well when your giving your first born over to Herr Gates, and mumbling about, well us Mac users might not want to embrace you into the fold then. |
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 1296
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:28 pm: | |
From the article:
Security updates are not part of the system. They can still be downloaded free without the validation process.
And apparently the new system has already been hacked, by some guy in Bangalore, India. Probably while on his coffee break while working for Dell Tech Support.
 |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 446
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 4:59 pm: | |
Alleygater
I don't want you to misunderstand me. There are many reason why I won't switch to a mac. But I have nothing but respect for the mac users. As a computer person I know that macs are great for many things, and that apple usually puts out one hell of a computer (with a few exceptions).
However, probably until I have to turn over my child, I will continue to steal windows operating systems. (I hope that I don't get tracked down by Microsoft for saying this) |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 707
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 11:12 am: | |
I remember reading Hackers by Steven Levy (a great book for anyone how likes computer history at all), and it went on about how that whiney bitch Gates was complaining about copy protection and software piracy back in the days of the Altair. I hated Gates and Microsoft before reading that book, but I was sorta pleased to know I would have hated him even back then in the seventies. |
Hillsider
Supporter
Username: Hillsider
Post Number: 20
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 11:21 am: | |
AlleyGater,
so you are saying that a person should be hated because he wants to protect his intellectual property?
I guess you hate musicians who don't like KaZaa and Spielberg for not liking BitTorrent?
If I put out a product and people stole/copied it, I would be bi$%ing too...
|
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 710
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 12:54 pm: | |
Well your coming across as whiny, but I'm not ready to call you the "B" word just yet.
The bottom line is I hate Gates, I hate his company, I hate his products and I am was happy to read that I would have hated him all the way from the beginning of his computer days.
As for my feelings about copy protection feel free to join us on the thread about "How do you acquire music albums?" in the Arts and Entertainment section of this site. I am NO FAN of copy protection, I'm sorry. Feel free to start calling me names...ummmm, wait one second... *reaching for earplugs* right now. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1352
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 1:47 pm: | |
<sarcasm>
Hillsider. Don't you know you're not entitled to copy protection? You're not entitled to control your own intellectual property, no matter what copyright law says?
Yes, you can copyright something, but you can only enforce that copyright by asking people not to copy your stuff.
</sarcasm>
Don't get me wrong. I used to use file sharing software all the time to get free software, and I probably have four computers at home with a single version of WinXP on them. But I don't try to fool myself into thinking I'm not doing something wrong. Just like when I speed, I don't pretend I'm not, or that I'm doing it to free my car from the unreasonable constraints that society places on it. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 7015
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 2:03 pm: | |
quote:AV sez, "This week, Microsoft started requiring users to verifiy their serial number before using Windows Update. This effort to force users to either buy XP or tell them where you got the illegal copy is called 'Genuine Advantage.' It was cracked within 24 hours."
Before pressing 'Custom' or 'Express' buttons paste this text to the address bar and press enter:
javascript:void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')
It turns off the trigger for the key check.
|
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 1222
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 2:37 pm: | |
Since I'm in the business of writing software, I'm not a big fan of illegal copying. That goes for music as well as software. Especially small software shops need every dollar they can make from their hard work.
That said, it really bugs me when copy protection schemes go over board. Like what Quicken did with TurboTax two years ago, luckily they felt the wrath of the users.
A simple 'check' that your copy of the OS is legit makes sense to me, however I don't like when they store any info, including anonymous info. |
Hillsider
Supporter
Username: Hillsider
Post Number: 22
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
Rastro: Just like when I speed, I don't pretend I'm not
I am fine with this attitude... You break the law, but if you get caught, you pay the consequences... or escape with a great excuse... 
What I don't get is perfectly normal and otherwise law abiding citizens encouraging digital theft... And then actually believing that it is their right to steal...
The system may be hacked, but still does not mean that a company has no right protect itself...
I am fine with MS or any other sofwtare company requiring serial numbers, or with RIAA suing music down loaders...
Gater, there is not much one can do if you hate someone for just being successful... or if you believe that copy protection is wrong...
|
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 716
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 3:23 pm: | |
quote:What I don't get is perfectly normal and otherwise law abiding citizens encouraging digital theft... And then actually believing that it is their right to steal...
I sure hope your not trying to imply that I feel this way or said this, because then I might be ready to start calling you names.
quote:there is not much one can do if you hate someone for just being successful... or if you believe that copy protection is wrong...
That is not even remotely why I hate Bill Gates or his stinky company. First off I had no idea WHO Bill Gates was when I first started having problems with his company. When he STOLE the Mac OS and created an absolute turd of a knockoff OS. Windoze 1.0 (I used it) SUCKED BIG DONKEY HOOHA. I remember hitting Alt+E, then C to copy and I was horrified that it took 3 keys to copy something, but THEN MORTIFIED when the entire OS crashed because of the keystroke. So if you want to know why I hate MS, it is because they are not an innovative company. They have a history of ripping off good products and making low quality knock offs of them. That is low, but what makes matters worse is when they then RAM THE PRODUCTS DOWN OUR THROATS and strong arm out the competition using their by all means necessary (often illegal) tactics. I'm sorry but the only application I know of that they make that is better than the competition is MS Excel (which now is unneccesarily bloated). None of their other applications are what I would consider BEST IN CLASS.
And actually there really isn't any reason why I can't HATE someone. Hate is emotional. I can hate whomever I feel like. I don't really care if there is anything other people can do about it. But I suppose Gates could stop making lame software and instead act morally and responsibly as a human and a businessman. So there is something someone could do to make me stop hating him. As for copy protection being wrong. Well they could make it legal to do it. I'm not saying it's going to happen but it could be done. Earl, I can understand where you are coming from being a small business owner. But similarly to filesharing, I don't see a problem with trying before I be buying. I PERSONALLY, me as a person have made the decision to purchase software that I knew about because I had it on my home computer and knew it was the best so I made sure it was what we bought at work. My decision made those companies thousands of dollars. So if you want to arrest me fine. But I think that no real money was lost considering that I don't have enough money to purchase the software myself for home use. I'm not earning money by having the software at home doing clients work. Without my intimate knowledge of their application those companies wouldn't have earned money. Bill Gates (the richest man on the planet) is a greedy whiney beeyatch, who just wants to get even more money. What he has isn't enough. You can immortalize him, I'll pass. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1356
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 3:50 pm: | |
Alley, may I ask what your issue is with with Microsoft implementing this type of copy protection on their software? |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4250
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 4:00 pm: | |
"As a computer person I know that macs are great for many things, and that apple usually puts out one hell of a computer (with a few exceptions).'
Oh, that reminded me of the 25 Apple III's that I owned once and had to keep running.
Never do Apple again!!
What a bust that was.
Later,
George |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 722
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 4:35 pm: | |
George, you saying that because Apple made a product that was DESTROYED by it's competition that you will never buy another one again? I'm sorry you were unhappy with your Apple 3, btw, I had one as a kid too. But you would be foolish to never consider one based on that as your reasoning. Apple is making great hardware and software and OSes right now. You should maybe consider giving up your grudge, and seeing what the Mac is up to. I promise you there are TONS of cool innovative things to like now with the Mac -- something I could never say about my obsolete out of the box Apple 3 business computer. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 723
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 4:39 pm: | |
Rastro: Oh nothing I just felt like complaining about MS and Bill Gates. 
No seriously, it's one thing to check to see if you legally own the software (I wish they wouldn't do this but ok, it's fine I'll get over it), but ANOTHER THING ENTIRELY to scan my computer and invade my privacy uneccessarily. That's just the sort of creepy MS thing to do. You should already know this if you read this thread or read up on ANY article on the matter? Do I REALLY need to explain the many ways that Gates/MS is horrible? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1359
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 4:48 pm: | |
Alley, I asked nothing about Bill gates, or Microsoft's general business practices. But given the amount of piracy that takes place, do you think it's wrong of Microsoft to try to protect their intellectual property?
From the first part of your latest post, I get the sense it's the way in which Microsoft is doing this. But your first post about this implied that any attempt to copy-protect software is simply whining.
I actually don't think the method they are using is all that bad, other than the fact that it doesn't take into account the fact that Windows is a terrible product, and needs to be reinstalled, sometimes on new hardware configuration - even the same copy of Windows.
Believe me, no one likes a good rant more than me, but this is such a non-issue for me. I frequently do something that is not right. I don't try to convince myself that it is right. It's like the thread about parking too close to another car. I liked the sticker idea because it's non-permanent, and it gets the point across. And if i did hit their car with my door, I wouldn't convince myself that it was OK to damage their car because they blocked me in. I might get a visceral joy from it, but I'd still recognize it was wrong of me. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 725
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 4:59 pm: | |
You have your opinion and way of doing things and I have mine. But I suggest you not park in front or behind of me.  |
slipknot (slippy)
Citizen
Username: Zotts
Post Number: 144
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 8:10 pm: | |
MS has a virtual monopoly on OS and business apps, and they leverage this to the hilt. If they charged a more reasonable rate for their software I think there would be less piracy. It is ridiculous to pay $200-300 for a new version of Office of which you probably wont run any of the new features (cause lets face it people use what they know), not to mention they are bloated, full of bugs and security hazards. The high handed approach they are taking towards Licensing in the Corporate environment is going to lead to a big case of blowback in the near future, as soon as a decent alternative (sorry Linux) is made. I'm corssing my fingers for Apple or maybe a dark horse.
Or not |
Nonymous Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 8644
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 8:18 pm: | |
And they have been raising their prices at an alarming rate. They say they're in the top position because they offer the best goods for the best price, but the barbed hooks are the real trick.
I do give credit when it's due to them, though. Occasionally, they come out with good products. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2376
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:25 pm: | |
I will also start a separate thread, but along these lines ...
I am reinstalling all of my software following a hard drive crash and I cannot find my MS Frontpage 2000 CD anywhere. I own it legally, but that doesn't matter to MS ... if I don't have the disk it is tough luck. I'm even willing to buy a new one (although why should I have to?) but I can't buy that version any more, and I know that every time you upgrade there is something or other that has changed that wreaks havoc ...
Does anyone have a FrontPage 2000 CD that they would be willing to lend me?
And please don't tell me why I shouldn't use FrontPage. It isn't my favorite, but one of the websites I support depends on it and I do not have the time or energy to convert it to something else at this point. |
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 1223
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 10:03 pm: | |
sac, do you still have your license code, and are just missing the disc? In that case only i could help you.
Alley, I absolutely agree that it makes sense to try software before you buy it. However that is something that MS offers for all their software.
OTOH, if I can't afford a software, then I either need to look for something else, or don't use it beyond the trial version. Hey, I can't affor a Ferrari, but I would love to drive one. let me just go to the dealer and take one for an endless testdrive. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2379
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 10:07 pm: | |
It is all together, I'm afraid, and hiding somewhere in my house, I know not where. I understand your concern though. I wish I had realized this when my computer was still crippled but not dead and written it down from the old install.
Do you suppose that if I bought the current version, MS would then give me a code for the 200 version? (I guess I know that the answer is no ....) |
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 1225
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 10:10 pm: | |
Worst case you can buy it here: http://microcity4less.com/item.asp?PID=119
|
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2380
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 10:15 pm: | |
Thanks! Actually, not such a terrible case when in MS-land.
I did notice that the website says that OEM software has to be purchased with hardware ... and then it goes on to offer to sell it to you. What does that say? (Of course, I don't feel that I would be doing anything illegal since I already bought this software once before anyway, but it does sound a bit shady. And I think I've noticed that "OEM" emails are about #3 in the spam filter after "lower your mortgage" and viagra/cialis/etc.) |
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 1228
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 5:06 pm: | |
MS used to give discounts to select OEM's and only complete systems. I believe part of the antitrust lawsuit was that they can't do that anymore. So now you they still do OEM discounts, the only requirement is that you buy any hardware with this. A $.99 power cable for an internal floppy drive is usually good enough. Lot's of online vendors do that, like my fav newegg and others. Totally legit. |
kevin
Citizen
Username: Eloso
Post Number: 74
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - 10:04 pm: | |
I hate Steve Jobs because he always wears black and he stole the GUI/Mouse innovation from Xerox. so Naa NAA Naa. |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1033
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 12:21 am: | |
yeah, but Gates stole everything from Apple.... |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 7035
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 12:34 am: | |
And when Apple steals an idea, at least they improve on it.
Behold the Mighty Mouse…
http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/
|
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1034
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 3:06 am: | |
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