Recommended Posts

i've seen lots of talk about xp sp2 blocking out pirated copies, and i've come across an

article which says otherwise.

Both legitimate and unlicensed users of Microsoft's XP operating system software will be able to download the Service Pack 2 security patch for free

Microsoft's increasing concern over information security has translated into its decision to bite the bullet and make its upcoming SP2 (Service Pack 2) security patch available to all users - including those using pirated copies of its Windows XP software.

"We haven't explicitly done anything to SP2 to exclude it from pirated copies," said Microsoft group product manager Barry Goffe. The United States-based executive was interviewed via telephone.

Advertisement

This is unlike SP1 (Service Pack 1), which had features to prevent users with pirated copies from downloading it. In SP2's case, the mammoth 80MB to 250MB patch can be downloaded and installed on computers running both legitimate and pirated copies.

Users can also request a free CD copy of SP2, although shipping charges could apply, something which the company has yet to finalise, said Mr Goffe.

"It was a tough choice, but we finally decided that even if someone has pirated copy of Windows, it is more important to keep him safe than it is to be concerned about the revenue issue," he added.

He admitted, however, that it is more than altruism that helped Microsoft come to this decision.

"Having these unsecured users means bigger worm and virus outbreaks - which also impacts the Internet and consequently, our legitimate users as well."

Edited by aisoku
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/165323-windows-xp-sp2-for-all/
Share on other sites

I guess this is a good thing. I don't believe in warez, but the more protected people there are, the smaller virus attacks are, and that means more happy users.

Remember, even n00bs might have warez (bought at a physical "warez shack").

Also, I think they might have changed their mind after they added the anti-piracy features to 2120.

wow, now that's interesting. Didn't the latest beta block out some people using pirated versions?

The latest beta failed to slipstream on certain systems. It could have been user error (who did the slipstreaming) or it could have been a bug in that particular beta release.

In SP2's case, the mammoth 80MB to 250MB patch can be downloaded and installed on computers running both legitimate and pirated copies.

people...if 80MB-250MB is mammoth to you....you need to get the **** off modems and get dsl or cable or better.... :p

oh yeah, and....

LINUX IS BETTER THAN WINDOWS

(not a linux user)

It is all in the eye of the beholder. I, personally, will not use linux simply because of the issue of software compatability. To me, being able to run all my programs take a higher priority than having that 5-year uptime record.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.