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Microsoft screws Users with pirated versions of XP
Not sure if this one was posted up, as i hadn't seen it in the past few days, apparently users with pirated versions will not be able to install this service pack. guess we have to wait and see
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Microsoft this week denied reports that Windows XP Service Pack 2, which includes extensive security fixes, will be available for users running pirated versions of Windows.
The Asian Computer Times recently reported that Microsoft will make SP2 available to all users. The publication quotes Barry Goffe, Microsoft Group Product Manager: "It was a tough choice, but we finally decided that even if someone has pirated copy of Windows, it is more important to keep him safe than it is to be concerned about the revenue issue ... Having these unsecured users means bigger worm and virus outbreaks - which also impacts the Internet and consequently, our legitimate users as well."
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said last month that Microsoft makes security patches available to all users, even pirates, as a means of limiting the spread of viruses and worms.
But Microsoft said this week that SP2 will, before installation, check the operating system's Product ID against a list of known pirated PIDs. If the operating system comes up as illegitimate, the update won't install.
A Microsoft spokeswoman said in e-mail: "Using genuine software is an important part of keeping systems secure and running smoothly, because it means continued access to the latest security enhancements and product updates. Licensed versions of Windows XP, coupled with the upcoming Service Pack 2, will represent Microsoft's most secure desktop operating system."
The spokeswoman declined to comment further.
Analyst Rob Enderle said Microsoft could not afford to allow pirates to use the patches, despite the potential benefit to all users. "One of Microsoft's value propositions for purchasing the software rather than stealing it is that you can get patches and support. They don't want to break the value proposition. They are not in the business of free software," Enderle said.
Supporting pirated software could also open Microsoft to legal liability.
Microsoft Windows XP SP2, which is due out in late summer, is a comprehensive update to Windows that includes fixes to network utilities to make them less vulnerable to attack, and a new security control panel designed to help beginners keep their computers secure.
SP2 is also designed to help ameliorate a major reason why viruses and worms spread: users fail to install patches against the malicious code in a timely fashion. SP2 reconfigures windows so that subsequent security patches will automatically be downloaded and installed. The automatic updating can be switched off by users, but Microsoft hopes that more users will install the updates if installing updates is the default behavior for Windows.
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