Microsoft Names and Shames Windows Pirates

[Micron]

Most of you all know that Microsoft are now cracking down on people using pirated copied of Windows.

Now, Microsoft are naming all the people who have been tried for using pirated software. If you use a pirated copy of windows, it could be you thats displayed next.

We are looking to incorporate an advantage check on this site, so if you have a pirated copy, we suggest that you buy the real thing instead of a pirated version.

More info here: http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/partners/alerts.mspx

[xpgeek]

"We are looking to incorporate an advantage check on this site", this site ? eXPerience Windows ? How would that work for non IE users.

[Micron]

MS have software that detects windows versions. I came accross a site the other day that checked for a valid copy of windows, I was using firefox and it authenticated my copy and let me in the site.

I mailed MS Privacy and they sent me loads of info and code. Once Ive figured it out, i'll let you know.

[Neo, Knock, Knock]

Understanding that Once Ive figured it out, i'll let you know. will 'eXPerience Windows' as a company let alone this forum utilize or use this code from Microsoft? Are there any ramifications towards the 'Company' by letting people access the 'Company' or forum with Privated Windows software? All just questions since this is a discussion.

[Micron]

We are a UK Registered company, and have to abide with UK law. I know that we have visitors from all over the world, Google Analytics (http://www.google.com/analytics/) tells us that. Any information from eXPerience Windows IT Ltd is available from Companies House and from the Data Protection Act regarding company activities, but at a cost from the governing bodies.

We have to adhere to the law and to legal legislation in the UK. Most forums don't bother with legal implications, but as a company I, or we have to.

This is why eXPerience Windows has always been strict. We are about to take some websites to court. An example here:

http://www.turksystems.co.uk/Support.html - this matches exactly to http://www.experiencewindows.co.uk

That stole, or pirated my content. If its not removed then we will take them to court.

Copies are illegal, if the majority of people Pay for their copy of windows, so should the rest. I wont tolerate people stealing, nor should Microsoft.

[xpgeek]

I got no probs validating my copy of Windows really. My only concern was it working with Firefox, or forcing me to use IE to access this forum. How often would the check be required, every login, or something like every set number of logins or what. Just curious.

Does it require any kind of plugin install to work with Firefox, does it work on any version of Firefox? Just curious again, I very often use non official alpha builds and nightly builds of Firefox, am using one right now.

[Micron]

Its your fault I use firefox in the first place haha. But I wouldnt force people to use anything. Wouldnt matter how you came to us and with what browser.

There's loads of sites on the MSDN Private area that are converting to validation. Its sad that its had to come to this, but piracy is ripe on the net.

Blame governments at the end of the day, not the general user.

[Neo, Knock, Knock]

Michael, excellant explananation. Beat Geek up if ya want over Firefox, I will stick with IE, double haha. Mine is original

[Micron]

haha, I actually love firefox. But love IE 7 too, so its a no-win situation lol

[Neo, Knock, Knock]

:D

[xpgeek]

lol, you'd have to pry Firefox from my cold dead hands. haha

Its just my preference. But anyway, I'm uh, willing to admit theres quite a few programs on my pc not, totally legit, simply because I can't really afford all of them, but, I have always said that no matter what Windows should be paid for, always. Windows is not just another program, it is the operating system, the foundation that all my other programs run on, something I'm using 100% of the time whenever the pc is on, and I too, my other software piracy habits aside, also frown on Windows piracy all of the time. Whenever someone approaches me for computer help, especially with XP, is your copy of XP a legit one is almost always my first question, and if not my answer is then go get a legit one first then we'll figure out the rest.

Anyway, just still curious how this is going to work. What if a user isn't running Windows at all, but OSX or a distro of Linux instead, would it not require the check and allow access to the forum?

[Micron]

As usual, I agree with you 110%

[zimagirl79]

Wow. I took a look at the two sites and I'm just really surprised by it. How do you find out about this type of stealing going on? Is it by chance or are you constantly on the lookout?

I have to wonder at the audacity of someone else copying you word for word, Micron. And to claim a copyright at the bottom of the page too!

Anyway, thanks for the explanation. I would imagine that for most people it's not going to be a problem.

[FisionChips]

lol, you'd have to pry Firefox from my cold dead hands.

Me too - some of us are just allergic to tabs though :wink:

MS have software that detects windows versions. I came accross a site the other day that checked for a valid copy of windows, I was using firefox and it authenticated my copy and let me in the site.

Is this the WGA tool we are talking about here Mike?

The WGA checker has a plug in for Firefox users, it works, I've used it:

You can complete the validation process using the Firefox Web browser. Users of the Firefox browser are automatically offered Firefox browser plug-ins for WGA or OGA validation and instructions for plug-in installation. The browser plug-ins provides the same Windows or Office validation as the ActiveX controls. English-language users who have trouble running the Firefox browser plug-ins may use the Genuine Advantage Diagnostic site for troubleshooting.

When I first saw the word 'Firefox' mentioned by a piece of Microsoft software I nearly fainted....