With a recent update through its Automatic Update feature, Microsoft proves that it’s incompetently evil, at most. At issue, it released Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474). The description is as follows:
The Windows Genuine Advantage Notification tool notifies you if your copy of Windows is not genuine. If your system is found to be a non-genuine, the tool will help you obtain a licensed copy of Windows.
Good grief. I know my copy of Windows is genuine. I do not need notification. I purchased every computer I own, and they still have the original operating system included when I turned them on for the first time. I’m honest; I don’t need this surveillance. Thanks for the trust, though.
If I happened to be the type of person who would install a pirated non-genuine copy of Windows, does Microsoft really believe that I would utilize its help in obtaining a license?
The idea is preposterous. Yet, there is the option from Microsoft, treating me like I’m incompetent or stupid. Yes, it has a significant portion of the market for several key software product types. So what? There are options to avoid Microsoft brought about by its own incompetence at innovating and/or adapting to the market’s demands.
Post Script: None of this applies to the Xbox 360. I love my Xbox 360.
While not a fan of the Genuine Advantage crap, I do want to comment.
Just because you bought a computer with the OS does not de facto mean that your copy of Windows is legit.
Microsoft is MUCH more likely to go after sleazy system builders than individuals. I fondly remember one vendor in Cleveland who was busted after selling the same copy of Windows NT Server to about two hundred different clients.
That being said, I don’t allow that POS to be installed on my machine whenever possible.
I thought of that after I posted, so I’m convinced. It just shows that Microsoft, while pursuing a legitimate objective, implemented a stupid solution. It should’ve at least put that kind of explanation in the description.