Windows asking me to activate Vista again (activation)

[Alias]

Prove it.


I have changed quite a few NIC's in my office and have NEVER had to
reactivate.


I started out with VHS. I have never touched a betamax. As far as
Blu-ray and HD, I wouldn't be surprised if you see drives supporting
both in the next year or two which brings me back to my original point
that you will need vista or an OS that supports those standards in order
to play them... Linux from what I've read will not as the free software
foundation is supporting a boycott.

You haven't read enough.

Aren't we in a U.S. news group?

No, this is an international newsgroup. You do know that the World Wide
Web is an international thing, don't you?

And since people who come here (at
least 99% of them anyways) have already paid for it in one way or
another comparing U.S. prices to european prices is a waste of time.

Many Europeans read and post in this newsgroup. Where have you been,
under a rock? A lot of people come here who haven't decided to install
Vista yet.

Why would someone from the U.S. (using their wimpy dollars as you put
it, which I find funny considering you blast other people for calling
names)

The dollar is weak. The dollar is not a person. It *is* wimpy compared
to the euro or pound.

but vista from europe?

Because this is an international newsgroup, not, to use your words, a
"U.S. news group".

Not true. I've done research on various websites and there are linux
viruses out there. Why are their fewer linux viruses than windows
viruses? Because only a small percentage of the population uses linux.

No Linux user has been infected. There are theories but no viruses
attacking Linux. None. Compared to Windows, even the possibility is zero.

Same as the virus
False.


I could probably get away without an anti-virus program on my copy of
vista because i'm careful who I email with and what websites I visit.
People who carelessly download software from people they don't know are
the ones who would be most likely to get infected. This would hold true
for ANY OS out there.
False.


If you have a good hardware firewall set up you may not need a good
software firewall. It doesn't hurt though. And by the way, ubunto does
have a firewall built in.... You may want to check your documentation
on how to set it up, just to make sure the iptables are loading
correctly. I know there were some problems in earlier versions but I
believe they have worked them out.

No, it doesn't. Your "research" is flawed.

Same as antivirus program see above...

See above.

Again most people won't notice or care.

You really have been under a rock, haven't you? Does "reduced
functionality" ring a bell?

I find road construction to be more of a headache since i haven't had
any clients complain to me about it and have not had to do much in the
order of reactivation myself I don't see the problem.


Same as activation


Again, that leaves me unable to play blu-ray and the like. Can you get
the FSF to switch on that?
Microsoft included the DRM technology so people in the general
population could play these types of movies. You need to preach to Sony
and the movie studios to quit that crap then there would be no need for
microsoft to include it in their OS.

Microsoft takes orders from Sony? Since when?

The laptop I had runs Vista just fine. It originally came with XP pro.
So the need to buy new hardware isn't necessarily true. Vista was
designed for more recent equipment and technology that is just coming
out. Why would I want to upgrade the OS on and old system that won't
run it when it already has an OS that works? Again, all of this is
going to be completely dependant on the user.

If I buy an old pc that has XP on it and I happen to like linux then I
can see switching it over, but not if I like XP...

There's nothing wrong with buying new hardware. Most people would want
to upgrade anyways to be able to use newer technology such as blueray or
directx10 video cards in order to play their latest movies and games.

Jeff

If you like Vista, that's great. If you can afford to upgrade your
hardware, wonderful. Not everyone is a rich as you are.

Alias

 

[Alias]

More then now khow to access a newsgroup and pretty much any Intenet
savvy perdon can use a search engine.
Frankly if they cannot type a word in a box on the front page of
Microsoft.com they stand a fairly thin chance of dealing with your so
called communities that promote Linux and open source operating systems,
applications and tools. I wonder how they will find these if they
cannot do a simple search ?


Frankly your little fanboy rants are becoming tiresome. Functionality ?
just look at the richness of the developer community and number of high
quality applications that are rich in functionality and innovation and
not copy cat or "me too" apps, that are available for Windows operating
systems. I haven't seen much innovation in the office productivity suite
market from Star/Open Office - instead it is still in me too and catch
up mode to Microsoft Office. But fundamentally the high quality feature
rich applications etc base for an operating system that is perceived to
be free and that the users believe should have free apps etc will never
truly flourish because why should a development house waste hundreds of
man years producing software that people expect should be free or that
they should be able to ignore any licensing restrictions etc. They
won't as you cannot build a viable software eco system on that kind of
mentality.


Or is it FUD spread by other persons with vested interest in trying to
unnerve Windows users as they desperately try and gain market share for
their splinted platform. Or more likely just a case of a nervousness
born out of ignorance due to not actually looking in to it before they
panicked.


No it is just a requirement of the licensing and really does not cause
as much of an issue as you would like others to believe.


It does not always result in approval if you are in breach of the terms
of your license. Such as multiple machine installs or moving a royalty
OEM from one machine to another.


Honesty often has a price to pay above that of the quick and (sl)easy
road travelled by the thieves and other vermin out there.
Unfortunately it is price we pay because of the thieves etc that have
forced companies (not just Microsoft) to introduce activation and other
licensing features in to their products due to people either casually or
deliberately not paying for what they use etc.



Maybe you should not listen to someone who "works on computers" and
actually do some real research.
The majority of malware infected systems such as PCs or servers that act
as bots are running pirated Microsoft operating systems - this is one of
the core reasons Microsoft allowed XP and Vista pirated systems to
receive critical security updates (while it may still prevent full
Service Pack installs).


Not really, but then again if you were a virus or malware writer - why
would you target 5 systems when there are 5 million of another kind to
try ?
The thieves, virus and malware writers target the most popular operating
system on the planet not some splintered set of loosely coupled Linux
distributions.

Most people are honest. MS made billions on the OSes that didn't need
activating or becoming genuine. There are no credible reasons for
activation and becoming genuine over and over and over again. Period.

Linux's architecture prevents infections, not the amount of users.

Alias

 

[Frank]

Prove it.


I have changed quite a few NIC's in my office and have NEVER had to
reactivate.


I started out with VHS. I have never touched a betamax. As far as
Blu-ray and HD, I wouldn't be surprised if you see drives supporting
both in the next year or two which brings me back to my original point
that you will need vista or an OS that supports those standards in order
to play them... Linux from what I've read will not as the free software
foundation is supporting a boycott.



Aren't we in a U.S. news group? And since people who come here (at
least 99% of them anyways) have already paid for it in one way or
another comparing U.S. prices to european prices is a waste of time.
Why would someone from the U.S. (using their wimpy dollars as you put
it, which I find funny considering you blast other people for calling
names) but vista from europe?



Not true. I've done research on various websites and there are linux
viruses out there. Why are their fewer linux viruses than windows
viruses? Because only a small percentage of the population uses linux.



Same as the virus



I could probably get away without an anti-virus program on my copy of
vista because i'm careful who I email with and what websites I visit.
People who carelessly download software from people they don't know are
the ones who would be most likely to get infected. This would hold true
for ANY OS out there.



If you have a good hardware firewall set up you may not need a good
software firewall. It doesn't hurt though. And by the way, ubunto does
have a firewall built in.... You may want to check your documentation
on how to set it up, just to make sure the iptables are loading
correctly. I know there were some problems in earlier versions but I
believe they have worked them out.



Same as antivirus program see above...



Again most people won't notice or care.
I find road construction to be more of a headache since i haven't had
any clients complain to me about it and have not had to do much in the
order of reactivation myself I don't see the problem.



Same as activation



Again, that leaves me unable to play blu-ray and the like. Can you get
the FSF to switch on that?
Microsoft included the DRM technology so people in the general
population could play these types of movies. You need to preach to Sony
and the movie studios to quit that crap then there would be no need for
microsoft to include it in their OS.



The laptop I had runs Vista just fine. It originally came with XP pro.
So the need to buy new hardware isn't necessarily true. Vista was
designed for more recent equipment and technology that is just coming
out. Why would I want to upgrade the OS on and old system that won't
run it when it already has an OS that works? Again, all of this is
going to be completely dependant on the user.

If I buy an old pc that has XP on it and I happen to like linux then I
can see switching it over, but not if I like XP...

There's nothing wrong with buying new hardware. Most people would want
to upgrade anyways to be able to use newer technology such as blueray or
directx10 video cards in order to play their latest movies and games.

Jeff

Jeff...this guy who can't use his real name, can't afford Vista and is a
linux troll.
He is a known liar and is only here to cause trouble.
But I think you've already figured all of that out haven't you.
Frank

 

[Alias]

Jeff...this guy who can't use his real name, can't afford Vista and is a
linux troll.

A lie.

He is a known liar and is only here to cause trouble.

A lie.

But I think you've already figured all of that out haven't you.
Frank

You couldn't figure your way out of a wet paper bag, Frankie boy.

Alias

 

[KristleBawl]

Thank you for saying all this in a much calmer way than I have been able to
word it. I agree with you completely!

KB

in message

 

[Jeff]

No, it doesn't. Your "research" is flawed.

Really? It came from the Ubunto website itself! Do a search for USN-464-1
dated may of this year. www.ubunto.com

Thats a security issue dealing with the software firewall built into Ubunto
Linux. (something i'm just guessing you didn't know about since you were
telling everyone you don't need one? Or perhaps you were saying they don't
need one because it's included?) Or better yet do a search for "firewall
vulnerabilities" when I did that it found 5 articles from this year alone...

How is this research flawed?

Microsoft takes orders from Sony? Since when?

They don't, but if they want to please their customers who also use blu-ray
they will include it....

If you like Vista, that's great. If you can afford to upgrade your
hardware, wonderful. Not everyone is a rich as you are.

I didn't have to upgrade any hardware, that was my point. Some people will,
some won't....

I really don't care if people want to try linux or not, but if you are going
to tout "benefits" at least know what you are talking about....

Jeff

 

[Frank]

Jeff wrote:
.... but if you are

going to tout "benefits" at least know what you are talking about....

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Most people are honest. MS made billions on the OSes that didn't need
activating or becoming genuine. There are no credible reasons for
activation and becoming genuine over and over and over again. Period.

Linux's architecture prevents infections, not the amount of users.

Alias

I assume your comment about the Linux architecture preventing infection is
based on your obvious masters or doctoral degrees in computer science.
Thought not.

So just to give you a little insight there is nothing in the Linux core
architecture that makes it any more proof against virus or malware infection
then any other micro kernel based operating system.
Since Linux is effectively based (others might even say blatantly
plagiarized by Linus Torvalds) on the Minix kernel which was written by
Andrew S Tanbenbaum and often used as a teaching aid on Computer Science
degree courses (it was used on my first degree course) - I can adamantly
state that there is NOTHING in this core kernel architecture that makes it
proof against viruses.
The addiotnal layered subsystems (again an inherent feature in any micros
kernel architected operating systems - as is Windows too since the kernel
within Vista is a generational development form the original NT kernel
written by Dave Cutler and in parts similar in architectural constructs to
the VMS kernel the wrote for the VAX mini computers) again do not add
significant protection from virus writers.

While I could educate you much further about the intricacies of operating
system design etc - I would simply point out the fallacy of your statement
by pointing you to a world leader in Anti Virus products and their Linux
offering - apparently this tool they should never exist according to you as
the OS architecture is virus proof. !!!!
http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/anti_virus/file_servers_desktops/linuxshield.html
or maybe
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/linux/
http://www.f-prot.com/products/corporate_users/unix/
http://www.sophos.com/products/enterprise/endpoint/security-and-control/linux/
etc etc
Wow ! so many product that should not exist !

Maybe you should go get a little more education about the detailed working
of an operation system as well as looking at the bigger IT world picture
then the PC in your room, before you go further embarrassing your self with
childish statements about operating systems being virus or malware proof.

 

[The poster formerly known as Nina DiBoy]

If you're sick of the activation crap, try Ubuntu, a free operating
system that requires no activation and no WGA. In addition, Ubuntu Linux
doesn't need an anti virus, software firewall or any anti-malware
applications. Check it out at www.ubuntu.com and order the free Live CD
which you can use to try it out without installing it. They will ship it
to you and even pay the postage. Not only can you install it on as many
computers as you like, you can copy it and give a copy to all of your
friends.

Alias

Don't forget to add that it can work with WGA incase they ever wanted it
too. I don't see why they would, but obviously it does work, LOL!

--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

Most recent idiotic quote added to KICK (Klassic Idiotic Caption Kooks):
"Spoken like a true NixTurd (oops, NixTard)."

"Good poets borrow; great poets steal."
- T. S. Eliot

 

[Alias]

Really? It came from the Ubunto website itself! Do a search for
USN-464-1 dated may of this year. www.ubunto.com

It's "ubuntu", not "ubunto".

Thats a security issue dealing with the software firewall built into
Ubunto Linux. (something i'm just guessing you didn't know about since
you were telling everyone you don't need one? Or perhaps you were
saying they don't need one because it's included?) Or better yet do a
search for "firewall vulnerabilities" when I did that it found 5
articles from this year alone...

If the latest Ubuntu includes a software firewall, I wasn't aware of it.
I have a hard firewall with my router which is more than enough.

How is this research flawed?



They don't, but if they want to please their customers who also use
blu-ray they will include it....

So will Linux if, indeed, blu-ray becomes the dominant format. What
about all the rest of the DRM in vista?

I didn't have to upgrade any hardware, that was my point. Some people
will, some won't....

Most will.

I really don't care if people want to try linux or not, but if you are
going to tout "benefits" at least know what you are talking about....

Jeff

With the exception of my ignorance concerning the built in firewall with
Feisty Fawn, all my points stand.

Alias

 

[Alias]

Thank you for saying all this in a much calmer way than I have been able
to word it. I agree with you completely!

KB

You feel better bending over for MS now? How nice.

Alias

 

[Frank]

I assume your comment about the Linux architecture preventing infection
is based on your obvious masters or doctoral degrees in computer science.
Thought not.

So just to give you a little insight there is nothing in the Linux core
architecture that makes it any more proof against virus or malware
infection then any other micro kernel based operating system.
Since Linux is effectively based (others might even say blatantly
plagiarized by Linus Torvalds) on the Minix kernel which was written by
Andrew S Tanbenbaum and often used as a teaching aid on Computer Science
degree courses (it was used on my first degree course) - I can adamantly
state that there is NOTHING in this core kernel architecture that makes
it proof against viruses.
The addiotnal layered subsystems (again an inherent feature in any
micros kernel architected operating systems - as is Windows too since
the kernel within Vista is a generational development form the original
NT kernel written by Dave Cutler and in parts similar in architectural
constructs to the VMS kernel the wrote for the VAX mini computers) again
do not add significant protection from virus writers.

While I could educate you much further about the intricacies of
operating system design etc - I would simply point out the fallacy of
your statement by pointing you to a world leader in Anti Virus products
and their Linux offering - apparently this tool they should never exist
according to you as the OS architecture is virus proof. !!!!
http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/anti_virus/file_servers_desktops/linuxshield.html

or maybe
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/linux/
http://www.f-prot.com/products/corporate_users/unix/
http://www.sophos.com/products/enterprise/endpoint/security-and-control/linux/

etc etc
Wow ! so many product that should not exist !

Maybe you should go get a little more education about the detailed
working of an operation system as well as looking at the bigger IT world
picture then the PC in your room, before you go further embarrassing
your self with childish statements about operating systems being virus
or malware proof.

Ouch!
Good real & thanks.
Frank

 

[The poster formerly known as Nina DiBoy]

http://www.tinyang.net/misc/fud.html

And this is just from MSworks! You can imagine that if they have FUD in
a product as insignificant as that, they also have it buried in their
more major lines like Windows and Office!

Pulease, how many people know how to search MS' site?


No, better degree of functionality.

Alias is correct. Ubuntoo can validate as Genuine windows, what better
proof do you need?!?

And why should he or she be nervous? MS FUD per chance?

No question!

The activation crap is saying the OP didn't pay for it and it will be
considered a pirated copy until the OP proves otherwise.


So, if phone activation always results in an approval, what's the point
other than wasting the paying customers' time and promoting FUD?


You're changing the subject. Why should paying customers have to jump
through hoops when the "thieves" don't?


More FUD. I have a friend who works on computers and he tells me that
the legit installs vs the illicit installs show no difference in
malware. Users of legit copies of Windows probably don't use Auto Update
as much as the users of pirated copies because the users of pirated
copies are more computer savvy.

Care to compare the incidences of malware infection with Linux vs.
Windows? Thought not.

Alias

--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

Most recent idiotic quote added to KICK (Klassic Idiotic Caption Kooks):
"Spoken like a true NixTurd (oops, NixTard)."

"Good poets borrow; great poets steal."
- T. S. Eliot

 

[Alias]

I assume your comment about the Linux architecture preventing infection
is based on your obvious masters or doctoral degrees in computer science.
Thought not.

No, it's based on research, your lame put down notwithstanding.

So just to give you a little insight there is nothing in the Linux core
architecture that makes it any more proof against virus or malware
infection then any other micro kernel based operating system.
Since Linux is effectively based (others might even say blatantly
plagiarized by Linus Torvalds) on the Minix kernel which was written by
Andrew S Tanbenbaum and often used as a teaching aid on Computer Science
degree courses (it was used on my first degree course) - I can adamantly
state that there is NOTHING in this core kernel architecture that makes
it proof against viruses.
The addiotnal layered subsystems (again an inherent feature in any
micros kernel architected operating systems - as is Windows too since
the kernel within Vista is a generational development form the original
NT kernel written by Dave Cutler and in parts similar in architectural
constructs to the VMS kernel the wrote for the VAX mini computers) again
do not add significant protection from virus writers.

Finished bragging?

While I could educate you much further about the intricacies of
operating system design etc - I would simply point out the fallacy of
your statement by pointing you to a world leader in Anti Virus products
and their Linux offering - apparently this tool they should never exist
according to you as the OS architecture is virus proof. !!!!
http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/anti_virus/file_servers_desktops/linuxshield.html

or maybe
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/linux/
http://www.f-prot.com/products/corporate_users/unix/
http://www.sophos.com/products/enterprise/endpoint/security-and-control/linux/

etc etc
Wow ! so many product that should not exist !

They shouldn't but because people are so used to Windows, they will buy
these products and the reason they are available is to make money off of
ill informed users.

Maybe you should go get a little more education about the detailed
working of an operation system as well as looking at the bigger IT world
picture then the PC in your room, before you go further embarrassing
your self with childish statements about operating systems being virus
or malware proof.

Sigh. You just don't get it, do you? BTW, why did you leave MS?

Alias

 

[Mike Brannigan]

No, it's based on research, your lame put down notwithstanding.

I doubt that very much as your comment on what followed you do not truly
understand the underlying architecture you appear to be convinced makes
Linux virus proof.

Finished bragging?

There was no bragging in what I said just scratching the surface of some
badsic history beinhind the operating systems at discussion hre that clearly
show that you are not in a poosistion to make such a blacket sstement that
yur believ the Linux architecture makes it immune form virtus infection.
Would you like to cite any source to backup your wild assertion? (maybe some
of that research you refer to earlier?)

They shouldn't but because people are so used to Windows, they will buy
these products and the reason they are available is to make money off of
ill informed users.

These are product that in many instances are aimed at the corporate market
place for both desktop and server infrastructures. Now while a home user
may be blinded or baffled into a purchase of a tool - the large corporate IT
departments with extensive UNIX experience that are moving to use some of
the Enterprise class Linux distributions are more then aware of the need for
AV product in those environment (again you show your narrow focus on home
users - look outside your room at the Enterprise space and you will see
things very differently)

Sigh. You just don't get it, do you?

I understand fully what I am talking about with regard to operating system
design and the ability for malicious code execution. I think it is you that
is not getting this.

 

[Jeff]

Jeff wrote:

It's "ubuntu", not "ubunto".

I appologize, I should check my spelling more carefully.

If the latest Ubuntu includes a software firewall, I wasn't aware of it. I
have a hard firewall with my router which is more than enough.

Actually the original "security alert" that ubuntu talks goes all the way
back to version 4.04 of ubuntu linux so it's been in there for awhile.

So will Linux if, indeed, blu-ray becomes the dominant format. What about
all the rest of the DRM in vista?

Which means they will have to include DRM in linux.

Most will.

Idle speculation. Since many people like buying the latest and greatest
(even to run linux) and since there are so many people buying newer hardware
a debate on this is pointless as we don't know why they are doing it.

It seems to me though that if people are willing to spend the money on a new
OS the cost of more memory or a newer video card is trivial in comparison.
(especially if they are excited enough to run Ultimate)

For the people you talk about coming here to investigate whether or not to
upgrade, if they didn't want to spend any money at all they wouldn't be here
in the first place. If it's an issue but they are willing to spend some
money then they are likely to spend just enough (maybe for some more memory
which is falling in price right now) maybe for the basic version which you
can get for like $99.

Again, if they can't or don't want to spend the 50 - 100 dollars for more
ram then they aren't going to spend the money for the OS and probably
wouldn't be here in the first place.

Jeff

 

[Alias]

I appologize, I should check my spelling more carefully.



Actually the original "security alert" that ubuntu talks goes all the
way back to version 4.04 of ubuntu linux so it's been in there for awhile.


Which means they will have to include DRM in linux.


Idle speculation. Since many people like buying the latest and greatest
(even to run linux) and since there are so many people buying newer
hardware a debate on this is pointless as we don't know why they are
doing it.

It seems to me though that if people are willing to spend the money on a
new OS the cost of more memory or a newer video card is trivial in
comparison. (especially if they are excited enough to run Ultimate)

For the people you talk about coming here to investigate whether or not
to upgrade, if they didn't want to spend any money at all they wouldn't
be here in the first place. If it's an issue but they are willing to
spend some money then they are likely to spend just enough (maybe for
some more memory which is falling in price right now) maybe for the
basic version which you can get for like $99.

Again, if they can't or don't want to spend the 50 - 100 dollars for
more ram then they aren't going to spend the money for the OS and
probably wouldn't be here in the first place.

Jeff

Speculation. I know of several people here who have ordered Ubuntu on my
recommendation and others and many elsewhere. *I* learned about Ubuntu
on this newsgroup. Trying something's that's free doesn't hurt anyone
except those who prefer you pay for it and certify you've paid for it,
over and over and over again.

Alias

 

[Adam Albright]

Jeff...this guy who can't use his real name, can't afford Vista and is a
linux troll.
He is a known liar and is only here to cause trouble.

What are YOU here for Frank? To make a total ass of yourself? Well
congratulations, you're doing a great job.

 

[Adam Albright]

Ouch!
Good real & thanks.
Frank

Poor Frank, you can't even but together a four word sentence without
fu*cking it up. Classic Village idiot.

 

[Jeff]

Speculation. I know of several people here who have ordered Ubuntu on my
recommendation and others and many elsewhere. *I* learned about Ubuntu on
this newsgroup. Trying something's that's free doesn't hurt anyone except
those who prefer you pay for it and certify you've paid for it, over and
over and over again.

Alias

I don't really care about offering non-microsoft solutions. I will admit
that not everything running on my computers here at work and at home is
microsoft. Virtual PC is cool, however, VMware does offer more
capabilities.

Would I use Onecare? Not on your life... Personally I like Avast but that
is a discussion for another thread.

My main point is don't make assertions like "you don't need a software
firewall" when you are running one.

I don't care what OS you are running it makes good common sense to run an
antivirus program. To many people today are using programs like bit torrent
and risking themselves by downloading software they don't know where it's
coming from and to say linux is impervious just invites them to trouble down
the road. There are viruses out there for linux and I doubt the average
user is going to have an ad or an article in the newspaper "i got a virus on
my linux box...."

Jeff