Filed under: OS Updates, Security, Windows, Microsoft
Microsoft takes on pirates with Windows Genuine Advantage
by Marc Perton Jul 26th 2005 at 11:20AM
After months of testing, Microsoft has officially launched its Windows Genuine Advantage program. The service basically turns Windows Update into an anti-piracy program; if you're running a bootleg copy of Windows, you won't be able to install updates (other than security updates). The WGA software will automatically scan your hard drive for licensed software. Microsoft is also offering an amnesty program of sorts for people who've "unknowingly acquired" pirated versions of Windows (i.e., through gray-market resellers). Send in a proof-of-purchase and your original CDs and you can get the real deal free. I'm all for protecting intellectual property, but submitting to a mandatory hard-drive scan to install an upgrade seems a little extreme. What ever happened to just being able to register software once and get upgrades?
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So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Greg L said 12:55PM on 7-26-2005
Wait, it scans for all liecenced software? like illegal software other than microsoft windows? LIke Microsoft Office, or Adobe products?
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Mikey said 1:50PM on 7-26-2005
#1 I don't know if it scans for programs, but isn't it illegal to send your personal information linked with whether you have a vaild copy of windows or not?
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hafa said 2:09PM on 7-26-2005
Come to think of it, who cares ? hear this, Microsoft:
It Will Be Cracked
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El Nerdo said 2:46PM on 7-26-2005
#3- Damn straight.
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Peter said 4:44PM on 7-26-2005
Plus, this is for the download not the install. So, for example, you could download the file from work on a legitimate copy of Windows, copy the file to your USB drive and then install it at home. A bit of a pain, but it gets the job done. Not that anyone here would have a bootleg copy of Windows ;)
Just another way for MS to annoy the average user while doing nothing to stop large scale piracy.
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Niko said 2:48AM on 7-27-2005
Surprise: It has been already cracked
http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/6563.cfm
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Q Billey said 1:31PM on 7-29-2005
Here is how to keep Microsoft's nose "out" of your personal computer and from invading your privancy -
1) After you have installed the new Windows Genuine Active X control in IE select "tools", "manage Add-ons".
2) This will bring up the manage add-ons window that allows you to enable or disable any installed module.You have two options to view the modules: Add-ons that currently loaded by Internet Explorer and add-ons that have been used by internet explorer. Select whichever on lists Windows Genuine Advantage.
3) Click on Windows Genuine Advantage to select it and click Disable.
Congratulations - you now have full access to windows updates "without" Microsoft helping themselves to your PC as if they own it - and your privacy.
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