Microsoft misrepresentation
This morning, as part of my regular updates, I went to Microsoft Windows Update to get any operating system updates that had been released (usually on Tuesdays). After clicking on the 'Custom' button, indicating that the Microsoft Update ActiveX control had already loaded, I was greeted with the following:
To use this latest version of Windows Update, you will need to upgrade some of its components. This version provides you with the following enhancements to our service:
- Express and custom installation: Choose only the most recent critical updates or pick and choose from all available updates.
- Smarter downloads: If downloading is interrupted, the process will start up where it left off the next time you download that update.
- Smaller downloads: Only the files your computer needs are downloaded, saving download time and connection-speed costs.
- One version: Only the most recent updates are offered to you.
- Less clutter: You can now hide updates you don't want to see.
- Update news: A News from Microsoft section on the Windows Update home page displays tips and the latest information.
That all sounded good, except that it looks like several of those features were already present in the previous version. Curious, I clicked on the 'Details' arrow to find out exactly what was being updated. To my surprise and dismay, I read the following:
Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
1.1 MB , less than 1 minute
The Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool enables you to verify that your copy of Microsoft Windows is genuine. The tool validates your Windows installation by checking Windows Product Identification and Product Activation status.
Excuse me? This Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool is not what is being hyped above, and it is essentially the same piece of undesirable crap I ranted about in my post HNT: Respect Your Customers almost exactly one year ago. Apparently, Microsoft is desperate enough to get this piece of spyware on customers' systems that they are willing to lie about it.
Signed, Disgusted.
posted by Gregg Seelhoff | 9:46 AM
2 Comments:
I purchased a laptop recently and it was the first time I owned my own WinXP-based machine (I have since repartitioned it and use Ubuntu mainly). When I wanted to update DirectX, I couldn't find it.
On my Win98SE machine in the past, I just went to Windows Update, and DirectX was there. On WinXP, it was not. I searched online for it, and I found the DirectX page.
Installing DirectX required that I add this Windows Validation software so that I have the peace of mind that I did indeed buy a laptop from Dell that came with a legitimate copy of Windows. At least, that's what it says it does.
I have a lot more incentive to spend more money with Microsoft now that I can verify that my purchases will be legitimate. /sarcasm
>I have a lot more incentive to spend more money with Microsoft now that I can verify that my purchases will be legitimate.
I know people who had their operating system disabled remotely, despite a legitimate purchase, due to a dispute between Microsoft and the OEM vendor. I just love the idea of giving another company the power to turn the source of my livelihood into useless junk on a whim (such as a ex post facto change to a licensing agreement). Add my "bitter" to your sarcasm. :)
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