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.

It is the nature (and duty to the shareholders) of a corporation to protect
their assets and make a profit. It is the way our western civilization
works. It is the way most corporations work. I'm not saying I agree or that
Microsoft is right. I'm saying this is the way it is and it's not likely to
change in the near future. The digital world has caused all sorts of
problems between consumers and corporations. It will take many years to sort
out. I appreciate the dialogue you started. It has been interesting. If you
really want to change things there are better ways to do it. Become a
shareholder of a company you don't like. Attend shareholder meetings and
complain. For most of us this option is limited because of funds. Start a
political debate and bring the issues to the politicians. Again without
money to match corporate lobbyists this isn't going to work either. Start a
revolution - oh wait, that will get you into a lot of trouble now won't it
:-)

The only realistic option is for someone to offer a valid competitive
product. Look at what Firefox has done to IE. IE was quite stagnant, small
incremental changes but nothing exciting. It was totally dominant in it's
field. Along comes Firefox and suddenly IE has major changes to not only the
look and feel but also security. Valid competition to Windows will force
Microsoft to change it's marketing. This will only happen long term and will
probably not affect XP. It's lifetime is too limited. I think the change
will take longer than the lifetime of XP. I hoped to be proved wrong.

--
Kerry
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... Why should they care about patches except to get additional functionality when they still haven't paid for the initial functionality? ... Anyone who said they were running a pirated machine and insisted they were safe I would insist they were an idiot and had no clue unless they took the Windows XP CD and hacked it themselves with their own code. ... Joe Richards Microsoft MVP Windows Server Directory Services ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... If someone chooses to use pirated software, all sorts of bad things can happen and MSFT is not the one at fault. ... Joe Richards Microsoft MVP Windows Server Directory Services ... This argument was actually argued back and forth with MSFT for Windows ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... There is nothing MSFT can do to prevent users from doing things that are ... Joe Richards Microsoft MVP Windows Server Directory Services ... This argument was actually argued back and forth with MSFT for Windows ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Why not patch all windows and not just legal copies
    ... This argument was actually argued back and forth with MSFT for Windows ... We won and all machines were allowed to download SP2. ... There is no way for Microsoft to positively guarantee that PCs are safe ... windows the ability to patch their computers. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • RE: [Full-Disclosure] whoch DCOM exploit code are they speaking a bout here?
    ... > Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system. ... > computers last month. ... Computer users who applied an earlier patch ...
    (Full-Disclosure)