WGA: Is it spyware?

Hi Leo, great podcast. Now on to business. I've decided to join the crowds of the paranoid in avoiding the Windows Update website and WGA in any form. Here's what I've done to keep myself updated and safe while doing that.

See my article at infopackets
http://www.infopackets.com/channels/en/windows/clif_notes/2006/20060706_kill_wga_with_the_bigfix.htm

Have fun!

Clif

You make a great case in here for WGA being spyware, then take it away on the other hand by saying MS has good intentions.

The term spyware may be inaccurate, but the end result is the same.

I made a 50% change to Linux several years ago and have been, actually quadruple booting every since - XP, Slackware (default), Fedora Core, and usually one flavor of the day. I am at 90% Linux usage now. With the exception of an occasional game, I have no use for Windows anymore. WGA just about has the coffin nailed shut.

The first nail in the coffin was when
I found out that I do not own the Microsoft software that I paid $200 for (XP retail version at first release), the fact that their license dictates that if I change my motherboard and processor, that it counts as a new computer and should buy another copy, or crawl to them and explain why I should be allowed to keep what I paid for.

What business do they have in checking my bios or cpuid? Could it be that it is needed when they seize your pc as evidence for the felony theft charge or civil suit?

Additionally, how about the extortion thing - answer yes or get no more "optional" updates. The whole logic of that begs the question: What does Microsoft ever actually give away anyway?

Will Vista require an oath of testimony, signed and notarized affidavit and fingerprints prior to purchase?

I don't agree with you on this one Leo. I think MS not only dropped the ball, they punted it out of bounds! By doing this "update" in a sneaky, underhanded way, they have lost all the goodwill that they have built up recently, if any. I, for one, will not allow anyone, MS included, to phone home without my knowledge and consent. I have removed the phone-home aspect of WGA and set Zone Alarm to block anything else involving WGA from going out. I think MS owes all its honest users a big apology on this one.

I just bought an un-opened Sony Laptop for $1500 at compusa last Friday and it wouldn't Pass WGA straight from the factory

Leo,
Microsoft has sent 3-4 WGA updates to the same computer. I wonder why they need to check my system more than once.It still looks like spyware to me.

Probably, I should preface my remarks by saying I don't work for Microsoft. The furor over WGA is unfortunate, if it motivates folks to turn off Automatic Updates entirely. It is, on the hand, amusing to see so many Google fans hopping on the bash Microsoft bandwagan. Clearly, there were problems with WGA, but you gave a fair a balanced view.

As a beta-user, I participate in a variety of programs that 'snoop' on me. CTF and CEIP and even the Spynet watch and send information to Microsoft. I could have turned them off in most cases and I don't always know exactly what information is sent -- but I trust the information is as stated not personally identifiable and not misused. They want to see where the rough spots are and this gives them a database of what is working and what isn't quite right.

Keep up the good work, Leo.

Gus (aka Jim A)
PS The email is to a Live Office domain that came from beta-testing.

I assume that by ignoring WGA, one does not lose the ability to have regular Windows Update service. I know my copy is legit, I got it from Best Buy w/my laptop, so I'm not responding to the WGA update, as long as it doesn't hurt me.
Thanks, your site is great !

Hello Leo

It IS!

Isn't this like going through a metal detector before going into a church... Some things should be done on trust. Imagine all sales reps with company cars radioing the boss everytime the rep parks. How about this one... The company car calls the boss when the rep fires her up on Monday morning or worse when you turned off the company car Friday afternoon?!? At least the company bought the car.... I think the reps would take to purchasing their own cars and charging the company milage. The last time I check MS bought me nothing so where is their rights?!? In WGA case I have been leant on by fellow power users who have made changes to our industry over the last 22 years (me included) to try Linux for the last 10 years. I have no sane answer now why I haven't. In the pass I was not paranoid just too busy selling excellent hardware (KVM) and now I cannot wait to get Linux on my Dual Xeons.... I use mobile racks for hard drives in my computers so changing the boot drive is easy. It shall be interesting when I make the move fully to Linux how many times I will use XP Pro boot drive. MS I am done. God knows I am honest - Bill Gates the demi god believes me other:-(! I am gone!!!! Thanks Leo for your site it must be hard to byte the hand that fed you....

At first, I was upset by all the hoopla surrounding WGA, but now I am rather grateful to have it. I purchased 3 computers from a local pawn shop, and was very excited to have 3 well-running computers for under $500.00. Well, imagine my dismay when WGA found out they were pirated copies! When I bought the computers, I was assured that they were genuine Windows. The store had a technician who serviced all computers, and a warranty for 30 days came with them, so I felt safe in the purchase. I contacted microsoft the other day, and sent them the info necessary so they can track down the phony licenses. They have responded promptly and are working with me to resolve the issue. My point? There are a lot of people out there like me on a limited budget who purchase used computers, and I for one am pleased to know that there is now a definite way to verify the authenticity of any further purchases I make. It really doesn't bother me that Microsoft may keep track of what I do on my computer--lots of people have spyware aimed at collecting damaging info, and they don't even know it. As you stated, Microsoft is under attack for their handling of this issue, and I sincerely believe that they will not abuse the information they receive from WGA. Money talks, and abusing this issue will cause consumers to purchase different systems than Windows. Thanks for letting me vent.

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