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10 Mar 2006
In a bid to clamp down on software pirates, Microsoft yesterday began emphasising the potential security risks posed by pirated software.
Pirated software in some cases comes bundled with spyware or contains bugs that affect system stability, the Redmond vendor warned.
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There are also known cases in which websites promising discounted software are actually set up to steal credit card information.
"It used to be that we were dealing simply with unlicensed counterfeit copies of software, which hurt Microsoft and the ecosystem of partners that makes a living selling our products," said Cori Hartje, Microsoft's director of licence compliance.
"Today the problem is much bigger, and it's our responsibility to do whatever we can to help protect consumers and ensure that they are purchasing and using genuine Microsoft software."
Microsoft plans to continue investing in anti-counterfeiting technologies in its software, including Windows Genuine Advantage which blocks access to certain free downloads to users of pirated copies of Microsoft software.
The vendor also plans to step up its legal battle against organisations involved in counterfeiting software.
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Mcirosoft's PR people are slacking
Their PR people who write these things are clearly deficient in this case. They forgot to say that pirated software fuels organized crime, finances terrorism, and could come with a Boogeyman pre-installed. They are so noble, protecting us from pirated software, out of a sense of "responsibility". I can certainly sleep better at night now.
Posted by: MSUser 16 Mar 2006
piracy?
well as far as I understand it does not microsoft have some come uppins in the piracy department? And they speek of spyware? One does have to wonder, if they provide the algorithums to encript, does it not make sense the they have the means to decript?. Kinda makes me scratch my head and go hmmmmm.... Now I realize that a company, and people have a right to make a living. And that they may even have a right to protect their investments, but to come out and say that (even though they didn't come right out and say it, but the implication is still there) anyone , and yes I realize the microsoft is only trying to protect themselves, (if you have any doubts, read the license agreement. Nowhere, unless the has been a new one drafted, is there any mention of the protection of the end user or customer.) else but they are trust worthy. Oh by-the-way, did not that company go to court over that very issue. Anyway, one thing that just burns me up are all the jerks out there that just have to make things more difficult that it really has to be. That includes the people that try to get everything for nothing to the lovely people that write all this malicious software, to the out and out pirates to the money hungry software giants the feel the everyone should have a jar of vasoline permanently installed in their butt. I mean really, just how much money do you really need? Microsoft, you want to really end all this piracy, work with the people, not against them. I mean if SUSE can be bought for $49, and the includes much more than the OS. how about bringing the price of your stuff down a few notches. Oh and make things much more user friendly. When I say things I mean your company. I mean support at $35 per consult. That's just not right. And when people call in and ask for your help, don't have your poeple treat them as if they are crooks. Not everyone out there is a computer whiz. Some poeple are just trying to use a machine that they don't understand. And yes, people are capable of making mistakes, machines do break, lightning does strike, help them for crying out loud. You want a bigger share, work with the people, and maybe, in turn they will work with you!
Posted by: wandering user 14 Mar 2006
haha what a joke
yes give microsoft my hard earned money why they give me back a new OS that is encumbered with DRM restrictions every which way i turn. and the best part they want me to pay them to restrict my computing experence haha. now pirated copy's are fantastic removes activation removes all the stupid checks and soon hopefully remove DRM i'd much rather trust in pirated software and give my hard earned money to them if they provide me a working restriction free OS.
Posted by: steve 11 Mar 2006