Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, Beta, Windows x64
Microsoft to pirates: you're bad, but you'll still get Windows 7 updates
by Lee Mathews May 1st 2009 at 9:00AM
OSX? No. Linux? Sorry, but no. Truth is, it's unlicensed Windows.
So when you're developing a new operating system with a wide array of modern features, it's probably best to take a hard line against piracy, right? Maybe not.
Paul Cooke, Microsoft's director of Windows Client Enterprise Security, has told Maximum PC that all Windows 7 users - even those running pirate copies - will receive security updates. Why would Microsoft want to do that?
Regardless of the financial losses associated with Windows piracy, Microsoft wants to protect their reputation. That can be tough, especially when things like the Conficker outbreak get blamed on them. Don't forget, there was a Windows Update patch for that as far back as October 2008 - but millions of pirate XP installs may not have had the patch installed.
And even though it may be the end user's fault for not keeping their OS up to date, running quality antivirus software, or just paying attention to what's going on, the blame often winds up being shipped directly to Redmond. A more secure global Windows install base would also be good news for the computing world as a whole, and maybe Microsoft will get a little credit (and publicity) for that.
Of course, this doesn't mean Microsoft is going to ignore rogue Windows 7 installs.
Just because they want your system fully patched doesn't mean they won't flip the Starter switch and limit your unlicensed system to three programs at once...
[ via Maximum PC]
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)
Drew Green said 9:28AM on 5-01-2009
Awesome graphic Lee!
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fluxusfuxus said 10:12AM on 5-01-2009
I only read the article in deference to the graphic. Thrilling.
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r3loaded said 10:14AM on 5-01-2009
Looks like ye pirate has the security flaw in his right eye fully patched :D
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alex1jam said 10:48AM on 5-01-2009
Ubuntu Linux is best and it will be better than 7 when Ubuntu 9.10 comes out even slightly better Linux mint for average joes.
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Level 5 said 11:07AM on 5-01-2009
Doubt it man. I love linux but the millions of enterprise machines need Windows, as does anyone in music/video production (or Macs in that field). Linux isn't cutting it in this department. It's funny though, for someone that just wants to be able to manage pics/music/video, do basic word proccessing and spreadsheets, and surf the web; I'd say something like Ubuntu would be an excellent choice. Art/Music guys like me though are left fairly cold; or stuck dealing with WINE's sluggishness or bugs.
sidewinder12s said 10:07PM on 5-01-2009
I agree with you Level 5
Right now i have a crappy laptop running Ubuntu but i think when i get home to my desktop im going to have to Keep Vista on there or upgrade to 7, Ubuntu just isnt cutting it with my iPod although i think if i get ubuntu on a newer computer it might run better. Other problems im having are with my Wireless and starting up. Its still to hard for the average person who just wants it to work
Ridgecity said 1:20PM on 5-01-2009
a pirate without a patch is just a guy with a missing eye.
Thanks Microsoft.
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kingsteven said 6:25PM on 5-10-2009
my windows 7 is activated and im a pirate! so [gratuitous swearing] you Bill Gates and bring Windows 7 out this year! Its GREAT!
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