Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies

Michael Davis (Comcast.Net) wrote:
It seems to me that its a bad idea to deny owners of illegal copies
of windows the ability to patch their computers. Windows is running
on hundereds of millions of computers and hundreds of millions of
computers are not being patched. Here are the issues which lead to
the perfect storm we are in right now.

1. Computer programming languages like C that do not check for
buffer overflow (require that the programmer code for buffer
overflow checking within the application itself)

2. monolithic adoption of a singular operating system for servers
and client computing.

3. stolen code for NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

4. majority of Microsoft code run in pacific rim and former USSR is
not legit

Microsoft Policy requiring validation to patch operating systems.

5. windows available from WAREZ and other download sites, hacked,
infected etc.

6. rapid adoption of new code practices without consideration of the
security consequences

7. botnets composed of compromised systems

8. adware, spyware, malware, virus (to me, if I didnt install it,
its a virus)

9. The Internet and nature of TCP/IP

To fight this perfect storm Billions of dollars are being spent to
simply stay current. Meaning that the legit systems are constantly
being assaulted by botnets comprised of hacked unpatched computers
and networks have to respond to new emerging threats arising from
the sea of unpatched computers.
It is simply prudent to realize the nature of the situation and
allow all windows systems to be patched or at the very least
someone should offer 3rd party alternative patches to bootleg since
we know they will not buy Windows and they are being exploited.

Alternatives to patches already exist.
Firewalls and common sense. That covers the majority of the trouble one can
get into.

And in the same vein, common sense tells one that if their data is
important, they will have backups and make it so they can get full support
for the data they deem so important - including (but not limited to) the
purchase of whatever software (if purchase is needed) helps protect said
data. Especially if the data in question provides the fundage for the
equipment already being used and the living of those who are protecting it.

If you steal my television, don't expect to come to me and ask for help
connecting it to your entertainment system. =)

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... If bootleg systems received patches, ... Now that reasoning is flawed. ... Can we harden Windows to resist arbitrary attacks? ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... If bootleg systems received patches, ... Can we harden Windows to resist arbitrary attacks? ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Learning process
    ... a million users on Windows would be ... Most of the patches are fixes for problems in security and a lot of ... pile of games or the SQL blaster which required 2 patchs - patch 1, ... holes *aren't* patched almost immediately. ...
    (alt.comp.lang.learn.c-cpp)
  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... Security is about reducing attack surfaces, ... dont patch ... Can we harden Windows to resist arbitrary attacks? ... of windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... Security is about reducing attack surfaces, ... dont patch ... Can we harden Windows to resist arbitrary attacks? ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)