Desktop platforms Toolkit

Story: Vista PCs to lock out rogue software

• 
• 

Microsoft’s new Windows Genuine Advantage policy is just what I feared back when the original was introduced. But fears of intrusive interference with my computer were consoled by Microsoft’s claim that WGA was not going to disable my software but just notify me of problems and tell me how to fix them.

The new WGA is nothing less than corporate sponsored spyware. The potential for abuse is endless.

I certainly agree that piracy is a problem but I don’t think WGA is the right solution. Some of my worries are these:

What if I happen to install a third party application that somehow affects how my original Vista OS configuration causing it to appear altered to Microsoft’s WGA servers?

What if hackers figure out a way to make legitimate copies of Vista look fake via a virus or malware?

What if the recovery CD’s I made for my Vista equipped computer fail to load properly after a malfunction or operating system problem?
What if Microsoft’s WGA servers are damaged in a natural disaster?

What if I lose internet connectivity for a period of time, like if I go on an extended vacation? Will I need to re validate my OS?

What if I can’t afford to pay Microsoft’s support fees to reactivate my legitimate copy of Vista after it is mistakenly disabled?

What if the government orders Microsoft to disable operating systems for people suspected of collaborating with terrorists?

Ok, maybe that’s going a bit too far. But WAKE UP! This is evil not to mention stupid.

But it looks like it will be welcomed or at least tolerated with little if any protest.

Greg

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

Full Talkback thread