Info WGA sends to MS

[kurttrail]

I agree with the above, except the "Malware" part.

Tell that to all the people having problems with it. Just look at
Carey's copy & paste answer to all those with problems. It is more
elaberate than many spyware removal instructions.

1.) No sane End User wants WGA.
2.) No sane End User needs WGA.
3.) MS sneaks installation of WGA as part of Windows/Microsoft Update.
4.) There is no real simple way of uninstalling it.
5.) It phones home.

If it quacks, like spy/malware, then it ain't a duck. You can disagree
all you want, but it should be obvious to even someone as purposefully
dense as you, that more and more people see WGA as malware, and for very
good reasons.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Leythos]

You can disagree
all you want, but it should be obvious to even someone as purposefully
dense as you, that more and more people see WGA as malware, and for very
good reasons.

And that's why they call them "Opinions".

 

[Leythos]

Just look at
Carey's copy & paste answer to all those with problems. It is more
elaberate than many spyware removal instructions.

And the instructions on how to use PhotoShop are more extensive that
both, same for how to install Server 2003 Standard, but that doesn't
mean anything in relation to it being spyware or not.

 

[Robert Moir]

And the instructions on how to use PhotoShop are more extensive that
both, same for how to install Server 2003 Standard, but that doesn't
mean anything in relation to it being spyware or not.

Depends on how you define "Spyware". WGA meets the tests Kurt mentions, and
I've seen worse definitions of spyware.

You might disagree about whether or not that is a good definition of
spyware, but it's a valid point.

 

[Robert Moir]

It's almost like having to activate Windows every time you start your
computer!

If you lost the "almost" from that statement I could agree with you totally.

 

[Gaoler]

Sheesh, you had to validate windows to start with, so they know your IP
at that time, you had to have automatic updates enabled or you manually
downloaded them in order to get WGA, so they know your IP every time you
get updates, etc....

You are tracked by your ISP and by web hosting companies by your IP, you
are tracked by your bank and phone company, by your credit card company
that then provide the info to it's sub partners....

If you are really "Paraniod" about WGA, you've lost it completely.

I don't think there is anything off about wanting to protect your
personal information that can be used to identify you from a convicted
preditory monoploy like MS! Not all companies are completely innocent
except MS, but most companies don't have as long of a rap sheet as MS!

 

[kurttrail]

And the instructions on how to use PhotoShop are more extensive that
both, same for how to install Server 2003 Standard, but that doesn't
mean anything in relation to it being spyware or not.

Um, people want to use Photoshop and Server 2003, when they install it.

People don't get tricked into installing either.

Comparing WGA malware to applications and OS's ain't the same, and just
goes to show how purposefully dense you are being.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[kurttrail]

And that's why they call them "Opinions".

LOL! I know what they are called. But thinking that WGA is malware is
a very rational and valid opinion. Much more so than having the opinion
that WGA is of any use to the paying customer.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Rhonda Lea Kirk]

LOL! I know what they are called. But thinking that WGA is malware
is a very rational and valid opinion. Much more so than having the
opinion that WGA is of any use to the paying customer.

If it matches the criteria for malware, it's no longer an opinion, it is
a fact.

So to bring it back into the realm of opinion, the definition of malware
will have to change.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff

 

[Leythos]

So to bring it back into the realm of opinion, the definition of malware
will have to change.

It failed the definition you posted a link to, so I guess it's no longer
an opinion, it's not malware, but you can keep harping on it if you
want.

 

[Ghost In the Machine]

Information collected during validation
Q: What information is collected from my computer?
A: The genuine validation process will collect information about your
system to determine if your Microsoft software is genuine. This process
does not collect or send any information that can be used to identify
you or contact you. The only information collected in the validation
process is:

* Windows product key
* PC manufacturer
* Operating System version
* PID/SID
* BIOS information (make, version, date)
* BIOS MD5 Checksum
* User locale (language setting for displaying Windows)
* System locale (language version of the operating system)
* Office product key (if validating Office)
* Hard drive serial number

Q: How does Microsoft use this information?
A: The information serves three purposes:

* It provides Web page flow, tailoring the pages you see based on
your responses.
* It conveys demographics, which help Microsoft to understand
regional differences in Windows or Office usage.
* It confirms user input. User input is often compared

How is the above info any of MS' business.

Alias

Now that they can fingerprint the motherboard BIOS and tie it to your
product ID, they can deactivate you if you change it our or upgrade
it. (If you're running an OEM version)

WGA, in its present form, is essentially periodic reactivation on a
whole new level.

GITM

 

[xfile]

WGA, in its present form, is essentially periodic reactivation on a

whole new level.

I found this is a short and accurate summary for WGA.

Two law suits have been filed just within US, and needless to say, on the
country-level, wait and see how many countries will ban MS products.

Now Bill has run away and trying to use charity work to compensate the
publicity generated by WGA.

Good try but won't work.

But think of it, MS has dedicatedly followed its vision - Every computer in
every room of every house.

Adman: Including everything stored within.

 

[Bob]

I bet your bummed that you will not be able to install the same key on two
machines anymore.

 

[Ghost In the Machine]

But think of it, MS has dedicatedly followed its vision - Every computer in
every room of every house.

Not to mention a separate license for each PC.

GITM

 

[Ghost In the Machine]

I bet your bummed that you will not be able to install the same key on two
machines anymore.

That has nothing to do with it. I never mentioned one key on two
machines. I don't advocate that practice, and my licenses (yes,
plural) are all payed for. I was merely speculating as to the
possible consequences for a holder of an OEM copy that needs to
replace his motherboard.

GITM

 

[xfile]

Will anyone agree police can search anyone's car and house without a
probable cause and a search warranty just to ensure they're not breaking the
law?

MS knights have been trying to frame people trying to protect privacy to the
same of those who use illegally software.

Another genuine move and try, but let's see if this also works or not.

 

[Plato]

Will anyone agree police can search anyone's car and house without a
probable cause and a search warranty just to ensure they're not breaking the
law?

Totally agreeable. It all depends on the the firearms that they carry.
The same theory applies to property taxes. If you dont pay they send in
armed men to toss you out. Same scenerio as 2000 years ago. ie the
landlord with the weapons rules the land. And these days, the globe.

 

[.:Alias:.]

That has nothing to do with it. I never mentioned one key on two
machines. I don't advocate that practice, and my licenses (yes,
plural) are all payed for. I was merely speculating as to the
possible consequences for a holder of an OEM copy that needs to
replace his motherboard.

GITM

Do you mean generic or branded OEM or both?

alias