P
Patrick Keenan
Soard666 said:Dear Microsoft.
Thanks for your hard work on all those fantastic OS's you've been
providing throughout so many years; especially Windows XP which, according
to
my unprofessional experience, is one of the best OS's to ever come out
from
Microsoft!
I mostly like to focus on your fight against piracy. I understand, agree
and encourage what you're trying to do to stop illegal copies from being
able
to spread in to the market. However, I do find some of your tactics for
carrying out your mission, a bit too strict! Please let me explain why.
I have 7 computers at home, I'm not running a business off them, just a
computer enthusiast with a private home network, which I use for my own
personal convenience. And I have to admit, that I only have one genuine
copy
of Windows XP (S2), and another pirate copy of Windows XP (S2). The good
thing about the genuine software is that I have your full gracious support
for it, and that is great! But that is the only good thing I get from the
genuine copy! The things I do not get, is not being able to install the
same
CD on my other 6 computers, not being able to reinstall the same software
on
the same computer several times, (Since I'm always formatting due to
testing,
viruses, spy ware and add ware, changing hardware, and having multiple
removable discs on the same computers). With a genuine copy, I basically
have
my hands tied behind my back most of the time! I have to be very careful
with
my computer not to get it infected with anything, and/or paying very good
attention to what I install and uninstall on it, worried how many hardware
changes I could make before my OS locks up, not being able to install it
on
other computers. basically. taking as much precautions and care for my OS,
so
I would not corrupt it and have to format, cause I know I would not be
able
to get it back easily, as well as not being able to use it except once!
Please forgive me for thinking so, but this really sucks! I much prefer to
use my pirated copy, where I could install and reinstall countless times,
as
well as install the OS on all my 7 computers!
My suggestion, is if you could please provide some leniency on how your
pirate protection protocols are carried out. I read some of the details on
how it works. for example, I clearly remember that the system scans the
whole
computer, reports several hardware codes, and sends them back to
Microsoft,
making every computer unique, so it could send back an unlock code. I
believe
that is too much! It means that our upgrade range is quite limited; we are
not free to do whatever we want to our personal computers! I mean, what is
the crime if I decide to change a CPU and motherboard every two weeks? Is
it
illegal? What If I like to build a new system every month and keep it in
my
home? Personally, whenever I build a new system, I do not throw away the
old
system! I join it to my network! Is that illegal? If not, how am I
supposed
to run my other computers without an OS? What if I do not want some of my
computers to be connected to the Internet? I also would not be able to
validate and activate the system! Can you possibly use less hardware to
identify individual computers? Like maybe some hardware in a computer that
are most unlikely to be changed? Such as the motherboard? I'm sure you can
come up with several better ideas on how to protect your software, as well
as
providing better services from your OS's.
How about if you could sell validation keys that could be reusable on
the
same computer countless times? For example, I have one genuine copy and 7
computers, so I would have to buy 6 validation keys form you, provided
that
each of the keys work on only one computer, and can be reinstalled several
times on that very same computer. The system identifies the motherboard's
onboard information only, which would provide the user with virtually
unlimited hardware changes and upgrade possibilities.
I really hope that, as you are doing a wonderful job in developing all
your fantastic software, you'd also develop a fantastic, lenient and
efficient piracy protection program. Cause honestly at this point, I'm
forced
to use the pirated copy, and though in this country it is not illegal, I
actually prefer to use originals all the time, it's a question of moral. I
can't stand any one using something developed by some one else; without
his/her permission and gratitude (in the form of the payment the owner
deserves for his/her hard work)!
Thanks for reading and understanding.
It might help if you read and understood the license agreements - which you
agreed to at the start of the installs - and understood the product types.
There is no problem with installing the same legal version every day. At
most, you have to phone.
But if you're doing that, you are using the wrong version. You should have
purchased an XP Pro volume license, available in multiples of five. This
does not require activation.
If you want free software, many would suggest that you move to Linux. With
a few exceptions, this will provide most of the functionality and
cross-platform support you desire.
HTH
-pk