Microsoft Cracking Down on Illegal Copies Of Windows?

[lundrog]

I have a source that has work related connections with Microsoft that says Microsoft is planning on arresting people for having illegal copies of Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP as soon as Windows XP is released. Microsoft said that there will be hefty fines along with jail time to those caught. He says that they currently have the ability to track who has and who does not have a legal copy of Windows 2000 or Windows XP if you are on the internet. Also he said that all future Microsoft products will have this same capability.


Why I posted this.

1. I posted this because I would like to know if anyone else has heard this.
2. I do not think that they have the right to do this.
3. If it is true is there a way to keep them from doing so

4. Your Views, I want to know what you think of this, tell me your opinion on this matter.

[64bit]

BS

[BMED]

Not to worry, Bill and I go way back! We used to smoke doobies together back in the day. He's just acting like a tough guy again.

[RoundEye]

There's no way to tell what info Microsoft can and can't get off the net. If you ever use the Windows Update, it say no info is transmitted to Microsoft, but how can they tell what update is needed if nothing is transmitted to them? Also you don't own Windows, you are just licensed to use it. Microsoft still legally owns every operating system they ever made, on that right, they may not collect any personal info, but they may have every right to collect data about the operating system itself. I don't know, I'm no lawyer.

I do know this,

They are very actively auditing companies right now. They audited the company I work for, and they want to know what operating systems we have installed, the keys that we have. Maybe they are collecting data right now for their "big bust", and they are trying figure out who legally owns what key.

They are a large company with tons of money, who knows what they are willing to pay for info from other companies. I checked the info sent when I've registered software (other than Microsoft products) and it was sending my key for Windows, why in the world did it need to do that?

I really think Microsoft is getting ready for a big crack-down my self. If any thing just to scare people who don't know any better into buying their new operating system. Nothing like a little paranoia to spur sales, look what the Y2K bug did for new computer sales. People spent billions on upgrades, new computers and Y2K compatibility testing.

[onetrueday]

very well said round!

[Megabyte63]

The way I heard it , MS wants us to pay for each copy for every machine we own. We will have to register each copy to get temporary activation and then pay all over again.

I think it will really slow down home networking. This should really help a sluggish computer industry.

Maybe other OS makers will get a needed boost.

The best way to protest is to stop doing business with them.

Legal? yes
Ethical? no

[Prey521]

I'll take my chances with it. I've never paid for and never plan on payin for any SW or OS :)

[Zporttech]

Go here and get scanned !!!

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/mpsa/start.asp

[RoundEye]

I ran that scan and how can they tell me what drives I have shared and what my account name is if they don't send any info to Microsoft?

I still think Microsoft collects more info then what they let on about.

[Phantom-Vortex]

WHOOOOOPDEEEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!:rolleyes:

[lundrog]

I don’t by any means support pirating. I just think that when companies start being able to track what is what like this it takes away your privacy. I don’t like the feeling of knowing that someone knows what I am doing at all times. How do we know what else they know about us? Where do we draw the line? I think it is an interesting subject, and I would love to hear more people’s opinions about it.

[blebs]

Originally posted by lundrog
I don’t by any means support pirating. I just think that when companies start being able to track what is what like this it takes away your privacy. I don’t like the feeling of knowing that someone knows what I am doing at all times. How do we know what else they know about us? Where do we draw the line? I think it is an interesting subject, and I would love to hear more people’s opinions about it.

Shhh! Carnivore is listening.

[Maliy]

Prey I am right with you buddy!!!

[Cornbread]

cornbread laughs at microsoft :rotfl: .

ms can kiss my @ss for all i care, let them come. http://www.vi2.com/maxForumFiles/YLSUPER.GIF

[Sid]

The Linux community has got to be rolling over at this. Win 2k pro never. XP maybe. Hackers yes(nothing is sacred).