General said:
Why should I install this latest incarnication of the infamous
Microsoft program dubbed 'spyware' by various respected online
publications such as PC Advisor and Softpedia?
Good question. I certainly would advise against it unless you absolutely
needed to. In fact this is good general advice to be honest and nothing to
do with what WGA is:
"Don't install stuff just because you can. Install it because you need or
want it."
Does this latest version not transmit private information? I know the
EULA says it doesn't but so did the last one.
You could say that once caught twice shy.
That is for you to decide. Anyone who blindly tells you "Yes" or "No" is
either naive or has an agenda. ANY computer company can only be trusted for
as long as their needs aims and goals co-inside with your needs, aims and
goals. Is WGA part of YOUR needs, aims and goals?
Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Symantec, anyone else you want to name are in the
game to make their shareholders or owners money, not to make you or I happy.
Any feelings of happiness, or any usefulness you experience from their
products is entirely related to getting you to pony up cash for a legit copy
of the latest version.
I've read numerous accounts from people stating how it has been
detrimental to the functioning of their computer, even when they have
had legitimate software installed. And other accounts saying how
Microsoft has claimed their software is not genuine when the users
adamently claim it was purchased legally!
Some people have had problems. Some people have had no problems. Some people
have had problems that they've wrongly blamed on WGA. Some people have had
problems caused by WGA which they've blamed on someone else.
Some purchase illegitimate software in good faith (e.g. they're being given
stolen, pirated, whatever goods without knowing it). These people are likely
to adamantly claim it was purchased legally.
Some people are being told their software is pirated when it isn't (I've
personally experienced this). These people are ALSO likely to adamantly
claim it was purchased legally.
See the problem? ;-) You read a random sample of the complaints here and
then see if you'd like to bet... oooh I dunno your house deeds or
whatever... that you can tell which is which? Didn't think so! I wouldn't
take the bet either.
The only thing I _am_ sure of is that Microsoft have cost themselves a lot
of goodwill with those people who are innocent victims and lots of people
who are not victims at all by pursuing this so aggressively. I personally
wouldn't have said it was worth it but there you go.
--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site -
http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".
