The Trojan aspect of WGA N

[Ground Cover]

People have been discussing the possibility that WGA Notifications,
presented as a "critical update" is spyware. Sure, some people say that. But
what seems not discussed is the "Trojan" aspect of WGA N. The software
doesn't just "phone home", it takes preliminary steps against computers as
Microsoft sees fit. Currently, as per Microsoft's choosing, some computers
start to "nag" the user.

To me then, since WGA N is offered as a "critical update", there's room for
discussion as to whether WGA-N is a Trojan Horse. Is it? Should I install
it?

Thanks for any replies.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Your "facts" concerning WGA are incorrect. This particular update
is labeled as a "high priority" and not a "critical update". I would
recommended that you install it and ignore the false rants of others.

More facts:

Windows Genuine Advantage FAQ
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en

Update to the WGA Notifications program introduces changes based on customer feedback.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2006/jun06/06-27WGA.mspx

Microsoft Provides Additional Clarity About Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2006/jun06/06-08wgaqa.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| People have been discussing the possibility that WGA Notifications,
| presented as a "critical update" is spyware. Sure, some people say that. But
| what seems not discussed is the "Trojan" aspect of WGA N. The software
| doesn't just "phone home", it takes preliminary steps against computers as
| Microsoft sees fit. Currently, as per Microsoft's choosing, some computers
| start to "nag" the user.
|
| To me then, since WGA N is offered as a "critical update", there's room for
| discussion as to whether WGA-N is a Trojan Horse. Is it? Should I install
| it?
|
| Thanks for any replies.

 

[l]

you don't need the wganotify...I installed, had no troubles with it, but
didn't want it on my computer so I used a tool to remove it..however, you
may need the wga tool..not the same as wganotify.

 

[rockwell]

I would
recommended that you install it and ignore the false rants of others.

Like Carey's false rants filled with MS FUD!

 

[Alias]

Your "facts" concerning WGA are incorrect. This particular update
is labeled as a "high priority" and not a "critical update".

"High Priority" for whom? Certainly not the end user judging from all
the fixes you copy and paste onto this newsgroup.

Alias

 

[UVP]

Your "facts" concerning WGA are incorrect. This particular update
is labeled as a "high priority" and not a "critical update". I would
recommended that you install it and ignore the false rants of others.

Did Microsoft make customers aware of exactly what WGA was doing in the
background before installing? No, it did not. That makes it by its nature a
Trojan.