u235

So.

So, so, so. Microsoft has decided that you can no longer keep your OS updated unless you have a legal copy. Whereas in the past all you did was hop on the updates link and download their patches, fixes and 'well fuck did we really leave this loophole'-isms you now have to validate your right to OS you're running. When you connect now it makes you dl some validation app, and modify some security settings in IE (NO YOU CANNOT UPDATE ZE OS VITH FIREFOX, ACHTUNG, SVINE-PIG, YOO VANT ZE UPDATES YOO USE OUR BROWSER GODDAMIT).

Oh yeah yeah, we're not taking any personal info off your computer just... installing this app... which will report stuff to us... lalala... no no never mind your traffic spiking from time to time, pay it no mind...

So, hostage to the fact that there is New Evil out there, 'sploits, nastiness, data-munching, bit-pissing crap you decide to run the updates. While Norton is downloading new virus and worm defs in a disk-thrashing frenzy you wait for a quiet lull to connect and get these new updates. Putting your manhood aside by letting them install this app to validate your OS, you perform the required full prostrations by rebooting as needed, all the while aware that this latest set of virus-crap came only a week after MS announced that there were new holes in their OS, aaaand - coincidentally at the same time they implemented this new policy of confirming ownership. Funny that. Anyway, do you the dance, get the stuff, turn on auto-updates and return to what you were doing.... that's if you actually own your OS.

Now lets say I didn't - what happens then? I'm not really sure, since I actually do own the copies of the OS I run. It's pretty easy to envision what might happen if I didn't. You don't own your OS so then no upgrades for joo. Uh huh. But then what happens? No updates means you're still subject to 'sploits and bit-pissers. That means more people will be vulnerable, right? So do more people just run around having unsafe computer-intercourse? Do applications like Norton and McAfee pick up the tab and try and patch as patch can? Does life just suck more for everyone because now you have to worry if that email from Aunt Betsy in Bumfuck might have e-crabs on it because she didn't update?

And what happens next? Does MS decide that it's not enough to prevent people from dling updates if their papers are not in order and start ripping shit out?

Not sure, but one thing is clear (as much as it ever was).
The nation of Microsoft sucks, and they're in it for the money - and now - you better be a card carrying citizen because the deportations are about to start....