Who is going do DUMP Windowz over Microshaft spyware?

[tangent4ronpaul]

And what OS are you migrating to?

http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=670

ED#118 : Spyware In Microsoft Windows 7

We just learned some troubling news about the recently-released anti-hack update for Windows 7 as well as the upcoming Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1. From what we understand, this could also involve new updates for Windows Vista and Windows XP.

First of all, the new Windows 7 anti-hack update does more than just scan for anti-activation exploits. It also performs a simple heuristic-based scan of all storage media (hard disk drives, flash drives, etc.) in the system to detect potential "terrorism-related" materials. From the documents we have seen, this is how it works :

*

The anti-hack update will scan for anti-activation exploits, as it's meant to do.
*

However, it will remain in the background even after the computer has been verified to be using a genuine copy of Windows 7.
*

The update waits until the computer is "locked" by the user, or idle (no key presses or mouse movements) for at least 15 minutes.
*

It then initiates a heuristic-based scan of all storage media, pausing whenever interrupted by the user unlocking the computer, or activity like a key press or mouse movement.
*

If potential "terrorism-related" materials are found, the update transmits an encrypted alert including details on the materials found as well as system information, user details, and of course, the IP address.
*

If there is no Internet connectivity, the update will store the information and send it out once connectivity is re-established.

According to the document, the heuristic-based scan is a very simple one and is only intended to flag potential computers used by terrorists and collect information for further processing. It is not stated where the alerts ultimately go to, but they are most likely going to the NSA. It is also not stated whether the update will only scan the drives once, or do it on a regular basis.

For legal reasons, Microsoft has intentionally made this update optional, which is why it is not automatically selected when you check for new updates. By selecting the update, you would have agreed in principle to allow Microsoft to scan your computer. We highly recommend that you do NOT to install this update, even if you have a genuine Windows 7 licence. To learn more about this update, take a look at our article, Microsoft Silently Rolls Out Anti-Hack Update For Windows 7.

As far as we know, there is no way to know if the update has sent out, or is sending out, information on your computer. To be safe, just don't install the update. Unfortunately, we suspect that it is just a matter of time before your computer gets scanned. Why? Read on to find out...

-t

[squarepusher]

not like i paid for it

[fisharmor]

I stopped doing MS in 2003.
It had something to do with the fact that my PC at the time simply would not connect to the internet with either 2000 or XP, yet a copy of Red Hat 9 (which is stoneage technology at this point) was online the second it booted for the first time.

I also haven't bought a new computer since then, since it's impossible to get a laptop without either paying $70-$100 for an MS license I'm not going to use, or overpaying by 30-50% for a custom laptop that ends up having the exact same hardware as a lot of stock models.

If everyone who objects to the most recent MS shenanigans would just send an email to Dell and tell them to re-implement their no-OS option, then we'd all have an option.

[Eroberer]

You could always use Ubuntu. I switched from Windows to Ubuntu when my computer got full of viruses and stopped working properly (most importantly, I couldn't use the internet anymore). Sure, Ubuntu has a few bugs and problems that you don't experience in windows, but you can find most solutions on the internet. There are thousands of free programs to download, Ubuntu uses less resources, you can make it look how you want it to, it is faster, etc. When you really need a windows program, you can use Wine or install windows inside a virtual machine.

I like it and will not switch back to windows.

[noxagol]

I've been thinking of going to linux, its just that all the stuff I use is pretty much windows only.

[tangent4ronpaul]

I've been thinking of going to linux, its just that all the stuff I use is pretty much windows only.

Yeah - that is the major problem - lots of stuff is Windowz only :( My uni FORCED me to use Windowz! :( I was a UNIX only guy before that...

-t

[nateerb]

Crappy poll dude. I'm not. I like to eat and have a roof over my head.

I don't really like MS, but I have been fixing there problems for over 15 years which gives me a >$50K salary self-employed for about 15-20 hours a month of actual work.

The Linux guys I know in my trade - mind you my circle is about two years shy of 40 - are the brokest, most miserable dudes I know. If they didn't have a constant stream of weed and money coming from their aging parents they would die of depression.

MS has a foothold in the business world and it will be decades before this changes. I can't go sell a Linux network to a business without a thousand workarounds, dicking with WINE, and hours upon hours of user training. If I tried to, the Windows guy would get the sale and I'd be begging for bowls from my buddies and hitting Mom up for cash, just like my Linux pals.

I don't like using FRN's either, but if I show up at Best Buy with a Krugerrand I'm not getting my 3D-TV. ;)

[tangent4ronpaul]

It scans for more than "terrorist" related files (thought crime). It also scans for copywrite infringement - songs, bootlegged software, kiddie porn, and so on. Anything our corporate masters and nanny state think are a no no....

This is BAD SHIT! Spyware hawked as "to protect you" spying on you and installed by deception. :(

A false positive earns you a black bag job or SWAT team raid....

Don't you just LOVE Big Brother????

-t

[specsaregood]

It scans for more than "terrorist" related files (thought crime). It also scans for copywrite infringement - songs, bootlegged software, kiddie porn, and so on. Anything our corporate masters and nanny state think are a no no....


Based on what? Some website saying so and referencing some "document" that they don't link or show? Uhhuh. Yeah, MS is gonna install a "backdoor", phfft. Yeah, they are gonna super-secretly scan all your stuff man, and tell the govt about everything you own. pfft. I could send them a "document" saying that MS is gonna put in an update that will make the machine format itself if you say something negative about bill gates. Doesn't make it true.


The Linux guys I know in my trade - mind you my circle is about two years shy of 40 - are the brokest, most miserable dudes I know. If they didn't have a constant stream of weed and money coming from their aging parents they would die of depression.

You may be onto something here. Paranoia and all that jazz.

[tangent4ronpaul]

That the original artical was 2 pages and contained a lot more info and links, but now is less than a page says LOADS to me!

-t

[pcosmar]

Based on what? Some website saying so and referencing some "document" that they don't link or show? Uhhuh. Yeah, MS is gonna install a "backdoor", phfft. Yeah, they are gonna super-secretly scan all your stuff man, and tell the govt about everything you own. pfft. I could send them a "document" saying that MS is gonna put in an update that will make the machine format itself if you say something negative about bill gates. Doesn't make it true.


You may be onto something here. Paranoia and all that jazz.

I quit using windoze several years ago. And there have been several articles about this new program.
Windows has been denying back doors for years. but they have been found and exploited.
search the web, you will find a great many valid reasons to not use windoze.

I don't care for Micro$oft's business practices as a whole, and have advocated Linux for several years.
My favorite,
http://pclinuxos.com/
but there are many flavors to chose from. Linux is all about choice. And security.

[tangent4ronpaul]

http://web.archive.org/web/20000816181539/http://www.cryptonym.com/hottopics/msft-nsa/msft-nsa.html

http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/5/5263/1.html

-t

[specsaregood]

Windows has been denying back doors for years. but they have been found and exploited.
Please link me to a verified and exploitable backdoor MS has included in their operating systems. For such a bold claim, doing so should be easy.

[specsaregood]

//

[pcosmar]

Please link me to a verified and exploitable backdoor MS has included in their operating systems. For such a bold claim, doing so should be easy.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci/tech/437967.stm
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6027130-7.html
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9141182/Microsoft_denies_it_built_backdoor_in_Windows_7

Just a couple quick ones. And only from safe sites, some darker internet alleyway may have more info.
I am not sending anyone into "cracker" territory.
Micro$oft has long denied doing so, but is commonly exploited. It is a very insecure system by design.

Sony also denied putting rootkits (http://www.wired.com/politics/security/commentary/securitymatters/2005/11/69601) in computers. I don't care to use their products either.

Bottom line,
I don't trust it.

[Baptist]

Where is the option for Ubuntu?

[specsaregood]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci/tech/437967.stm

NSAKEY, already discussed above and not a "backdoor" even theoretically as it doesn't provide remote access.



http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6027130-7.html

It even says in this article:
"It is definitely a stretch to call this a backdoor," said Marc Maiffret, chief hacking officer at eEye Digital Security. "Every security flaw ever found in Windows could have been a backdoor, and we would never have known. I think it's a bit 'tin foil hat' to try to say they are backdoors."
So any bug found in X-windows or FTP or other linux services that provided remote access are backdoors?



http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9141182/Microsoft_denies_it_built_backdoor_in_Windows_7

There is no information or evidence of a backdoor in that article. Were you trying to waste my time?



Micro$oft has long denied doing so, but is commonly exploited. It is a very insecure system by design.

Should I link to the long list of remote access exploitable bugs that have been found in linux/unix over the years?

[pcosmar]

Where is the option for Ubuntu?

It is one of the many options available.

[pcosmar]

Should I link to the long list of remote access exploitable bugs that have been found in linux/unix over the years?

No, I only know of my experience with windows and attempting to secure it.

I have been running Linux since 2004.
You are welcome to attempt to hit my box. I'm online. Go for it. :D

[tangent4ronpaul]

A built in backdoor would be convenient, and knowing Microshafts history - expected. Yet really un-needed. Know what a zero day exploit is? Well, what if you find one and never tell anyone about it? Some agencies have entire departments that focus on such things. Hell, some agencies employ people that study foreign operating systems that you've never heard of...

-t

[specsaregood]

No, I only know of my experience with windows and attempting to secure it.

I have been running Linux since 2004.
You are welcome to attempt to hit my box. I'm online. Go for it. :D

And I've been admining windows servers since '98, never had one hacked.

[tangent4ronpaul]

And I've been admining windows servers since '98, never had one hacked.

That you know of. Only paid white hats leave calling cards.

The environmentalists saying "leave no tracks" goes on steroids in the black hat community.

-t

[ARealConservative]

NSAKEY, already discussed above and not a "backdoor" even theoretically as it doesn't provide remote access.


It even says in this article:
"It is definitely a stretch to call this a backdoor," said Marc Maiffret, chief hacking officer at eEye Digital Security. "Every security flaw ever found in Windows could have been a backdoor, and we would never have known. I think it's a bit 'tin foil hat' to try to say they are backdoors."
So any bug found in X-windows or FTP or other linux services that provided remote access are backdoors?


There is no information or evidence of a backdoor in that article. Were you trying to waste my time?


Should I link to the long list of remote access exploitable bugs that have been found in linux/unix over the years?

I notice no attempt to refute this post as of yet. ;)

[specsaregood]

That you know of. Only paid white hats leave calling cards.

Fair enough. How about this: Systems I have administrated and/or programmed have handled hundreds of millions of dollars of transactions all on windows servers and I have yet to get a report of any financial or proprietary information having been stolen or made available elsewhere.

[pcosmar]

I notice no attempt to refute this post as of yet. ;)

Refute what.
As said,,I don't trust it.

Anything can be cracked, given enough effort and resorces.
I just prefer to not make it easy.
for example,
http://news.cnet.com/2100-1009_3-5053063.html

The result: The same password encoded on two Windows machines will always be the same. That means that a password cracker can create a large lookup table and break passwords on any Windows computer. Unix, Linux and the Mac OS X, however, add a 12-bit salt to the calculation, making any brute force attempt to break the encryption take 4,096 times longer or require 4,096 times more memory.

There are other issues. Permissions, File system, integration of software.(IE) etc. etc.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Fair enough. How about this: Systems I have administrated and/or programmed have handled hundreds of millions of dollars of transactions all on windows servers and I have yet to get a report of any financial or proprietary information having been stolen or made available elsewhere.

With that many transactions / customers - I guarantee that some of their personal / financial data is out there. Maybe not originating from your systems, but it is a statistical impossibility that some of that data has not gotten out. That you have not received any reports simply says you are not plugged into the right sources or looking in the right places.

-t

[tangent4ronpaul]

With 145 views as I write this, I'm not sure if I should write it up to paranoia or embarrassment that the poll has only gotten 8 votes... 3/4ths of which claim to use an OS other than Windows - despite Microshaft having 80-90% of the market... Are RPF users THAT much of a statistical anomaly? - I seriously doubt it...

-t

[pcosmar]

This is a good article, though a few years old.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/22/security_report_windows_vs_linux/
Security Report: Windows vs Linux
An independent assessment

It was from back when I was making the switch.

[ARealConservative]

With 145 views as I write this, I'm not sure if I should write it up to paranoia or embarrassment that the poll has only gotten 8 votes... 3/4ths of which claim to use an OS other than Windows - despite Microshaft having 80-90% of the market... Are RPF users THAT much of a statistical anomaly? - I seriously doubt it...

-t

in society, some of the most vocal people are the least intelligent. :D

[specsaregood]

http://news.cnet.com/2100-1009_3-5053063.html

Of course you have to already have administrator access to get those hashes to run a dictionary attack against. And those hashes are stored 128bit encrypted. And if you already have administrator access then you can do pretty much anything :).

[specsaregood]

That you have not received any reports simply says you are not plugged into the right sources or looking in the right places.
-t

Well sure their stuff might have gotten out there from elsewhere (say from the gas station card reader) but not from my stuff. Of course I've always taken security seriously and have been employed in the past to review/fix others' software for security flaws.

Also, I do write all my software with the expectation that the core OS might be compromised at some point, with that in mind I make it so even if that does occur any sensitive information is still going to be useless due to hashing and encrypting processes. Anybody that solely relies on the security of the core OS (any OS) is stupid. Esp. since the majority of security compromises are "inside jobs".

[Peace&Freedom]

Vista and 7 are built from the ground up to demand MS access to intrude upon you and shut your hardware off for 'violations' of who knows what. A compromise way out of this is to reformat your PC now, install XP (DON'T trust MS when they say their current update is 'optional'---they're known to reintroduce the changes they want in a different update that is NOT optional, the way Congress tries to re-introduce bills in different legislation).

XP seems to be more insulated from MS changes, and no where near as intrusive about P2P shared files. Put in a strong firewall, that prompts you when MS wants to communicate, and shut off Windows Update. As for activation, defeat it with WGA Killer for XP, it's bulletproof. The program suite works even in safe mode, so you can reinstall it from that mode to reactivate the PC if needed.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Well sure their stuff might have gotten out there from elsewhere (say from the gas station card reader) but not from my stuff. Of course I've always taken security seriously and have been employed in the past to review/fix others' software for security flaws.

Also, I do write all my software with the expectation that the core OS might be compromised at some point, with that in mind I make it so even if that does occur any sensitive information is still going to be useless due to hashing and encrypting processes. Anybody that solely relies on the security of the core OS (any OS) is stupid. Esp. since the majority of security compromises are "inside jobs".

ROTGLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-t

[torchbearer]

Vista and 7 are built from the ground up to demand MS access to intrude upon you and shut your hardware off for 'violations' of who knows what. A compromise way out of this is to reformat your PC now, install XP (DON'T trust MS when they say their current update is 'optional'---they're known to reintroduce the changes they want in a different update that is NOT optional, the way Congress tries to re-introduce bills in different legislation).

XP seems to be more insulated from MS changes, and no where near as intrusive about P2P shared files. Put in a strong firewall, that prompts you when MS wants to communicate, and shut off Windows Update. As for activation, defeat it with WGA Killer for XP, it's bulletproof. The program suite works even in safe mode, so you can reinstall it from that mode to reactivate the PC if needed.

WGA doesn't really work in Vista of 7. uloader by orbit30 is solid.
i've used the loader, then downloaded the WGA update in question. no problems.

[specsaregood]

ROTGLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please explain what is funny? Any system dealing with secure financial information should have that information even secure from the sys admins. My comment is true concerning any operating system.

[ARealConservative]

Please explain what is funny? Any system dealing with secure financial information should have that information even secure from the sys admins. My comment is true concerning any operating system.

+1

a bunch of ABM'ers read too many script kiddie sites, then think they no what they are talking about.

[specsaregood]

+1
a bunch of ABM'ers read too many script kiddie sites, then think they no what they are talking about.

Certainly doesn't sound like some have ever had to go through PCI compliance testing or had to deal with other security standards/testing.

[fisharmor]

And I've been admining windows servers since '98, never had one hacked.

Well, then, I guess the solution isn't to get a free OS that is secure by design... the solution must be to pay money for an OS and have you administer it for us to keep it secure....

The bit about setting up machines at offices is dead on. For mouth breathing end users, you can't throw them into anything they haven't used to view porn in the past and expect it to go well, so yes, it's MS at offices.

But remember that the 80-90% market share figure has everything to do with the problem I already outlined: people like us, who don't want MS products, are still part of that total. The only laptops you can buy that won't add to that total are either Macs, or the crappy little netbooks that have never been that popular.

But realistically, even if we weren't part of that total, MS would still have 70% market share.

[torchbearer]

maybe its the youth that doesn't remember because they weren't around, but it is because of MS that we even have "open boxes". At a time where every developer was creating "closed boxes", MS took the route of competition and open boxes, and that is why they are as big as they are.
For people who worship Mac, think about a world that was filled with Macs, you would only have a handful of hardware makers, and innovation would be limited. same with all other closed box system.
I think people just hate 'successful' sometimes. people voluntarily bought MS for a reason. You can get computers with linux on them, but that isn't what people want. They'd rather pay a company with a professional staff to have the incentive to keep developing the product.
Where is the incentive for excellence in open source? people give time when they can to the project. some have positioned themselves to sell their own software packages with linux, but the system itself is not the object of the funding or development.
Linux is not much different than it was years ago, and it will basically be the same years from now because of the lack of incentive.

[fletcher]

Your poll doesn't give an option for 'Happily stay with Windows without installing the OPTIONAL update.' I choose that.

[specsaregood]

For people who worship Mac, think about a world that was filled with Macs, you would only have a handful of hardware makers, and innovation would be limited. same with all other closed box system.

Not to mention that lots of hackers are claiming that OSX is the least secure OS right now as far as exploitable due to user-software (browser) etc.

Edit: for example:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=2941


It’s really simple. Safari on the Mac is easier to exploit. The things that Windows do to make it harder (for an exploit to work), Macs don’t do. Hacking into Macs is so much easier. You don’t have to jump through hoops and deal with all the anti-exploit mitigations you’d find in Windows.

It’s more about the operating system than the (target) program. Firefox on Mac is pretty easy too. The underlying OS doesn’t have anti-exploit stuff built into it.

[pcosmar]

Linux is not much different than it was years ago, and it will basically be the same years from now because of the lack of incentive.

I have to disagree with this, as I have see the changes over the years I have used it. It is undergoing constant development. And though I am fond of the KDE desktop, The Enlightenment environment is looking real good these days. I may give it another try.

There is much I did not care for with Windoze, Constant scans to clean crap out. Not haveing control or ownership of the system. Read the EULA. That alone is reason for me.
I don't care for their business practices or their product.
I don't trust it. and that is the bottom line.
As to market share,,, They have wonderful marketing. They have sold their system.
Much like our present 2 party political system.
You get to chose "R" or "D". They have a billion dollar industry promoting their brand.

Great Marketing of a crappy system. And people buy that shit.
And Obama is in the White House.

[torchbearer]

I have to disagree with this, as I have see the changes over the years I have used it. It is undergoing constant development. And though I am fond of the KDE desktop, The Enlightenment environment is looking real good these days. I may give it another try.

There is much I did not care for with Windoze, Constant scans to clean crap out. Not haveing control or ownership of the system. Read the EULA. That alone is reason for me.
I don't care for their business practices or their product.
I don't trust it. and that is the bottom line.
As to market share,,, They have wonderful marketing. They have sold their system.
Much like our present 2 party political system.
You get to chose "R" or "D". They have a billion dollar industry promoting their brand.

Great Marketing of a crappy system. And people buy that shit.
And Obama is in the White House.


I've tried switching to linux many times over the years. first time in 1996 with red hat. every time- hardware support issues, software support issues, same gui's.
obviously, people are working on things, but since 1996- not much has changed.
Linux still doesn't support my hardware, doesn't run the programs i want to run, and if it does run it, runs it slower due to inferior drivers.
It would not be an operating system i'd pay for... and that tells you its value.
i've tried many varieties, so the whole argument of- just use a different linux doesn't hold with me. no matter which variety- same issues.

[ChaosControl]

It says it is optional, so just don't install it.
But I wouldn't mind dumping windows. I don't use Office anymore, OpenOffice works perfectly fine for all my needs.

The only problem I could see is compatibility issues. I don't play many PC games really, but what about when there is one I want. Or what about various other things like Emulation and certain programs I may want? Can those work on the free alternatives to windows?

[tmosley]

I dumped them long ago. Even so, their crappy software haunts me to this day (namely their office suite, which everyone still uses for some reason).

[torchbearer]

It says it is optional, so just don't install it.
But I wouldn't mind dumping windows. I don't use Office anymore, OpenOffice works perfectly fine for all my needs.

The only problem I could see is compatibility issues. I don't play many PC games really, but what about when there is one I want. Or what about various other things like Emulation and certain programs I may want? Can those work on the free alternatives to windows?

i can say this- as a business machine, linux is fine. openoffice is fine.
gaming- not if you want to play the most current games, and not if you want drivers the work well.
for instance, I run a raid with a SLI setup. linux has a shit fit with both.
So if i install linux, i have to install it with workarounds and generic drivers. i can't get the full use of my hardware, i can't play current games in the same full res manner i can in windows.
so the only thing i can recommend linux for is a simple user's OS. if all your do is word processing and surfing the internet. linux will work for you.

[torchbearer]

if you are familiar with windows and want to try a linux version that is very similar, try this one: http://www.ylmf.org/en/index.html
it also comes with the latest open office already installed.

[specsaregood]

//

[ChaosControl]

i can say this- as a business machine, linux is fine. openoffice is fine.
gaming- not if you want to play the most current games, and not if you want drivers the work well.
for instance, I run a raid with and SLI setup. linux has a shit fit with both.
So if i install linux, i have to install it with workarounds and generic drivers. i can't get the full use of my hardware, i can't play current games in the same full res manner i can in windows.
so the only thing i can recommend linux for is a simple user's OS. if all your do is word processing and surfing the internet. linux will work for you.

I'll probably just stick with Windows XP then.

[torchbearer]

and if you think MS windows is spying on you, wait until you get a load of Googles new linux based OS. it will be reporting everything you do to the "cloud".
even your print jobs will be sent through the "cloud".

[pcosmar]

It says it is optional, so just don't install it.
But I wouldn't mind dumping windows. I don't use Office anymore, OpenOffice works perfectly fine for all my needs.

The only problem I could see is compatibility issues. I don't play many PC games really, but what about when there is one I want. Or what about various other things like Emulation and certain programs I may want? Can those work on the free alternatives to windows?

Some games will run fine. I don't play a lot of games but have installed some for my wife. (Zuma, she's addicted)

Games are the only thing that linux lags behind on IMHO.
I use XP for WOW. and for that only.
If I had better hardware I could run it under linux, but as it is , it barely runs on XP with a lot of lag.

The only hardware issues I have ever had were with wireless in 2005 and that has been corrected, and with a Texas Instruments card reader. I found a workaround for it, and that too has been corrected since.

and I am not a tech savvy geek,
I can read though. ;)

[ClayTrainor]

I like Windows 7 a lot so far, and will continue to use it. I am constantly reminded of the security risks from using services and products from companies like Microsoft and Google, but I personally make my entire living using these tools and I can't afford to just trade them away for alternatives that don't quite accomplish my goals.

[torchbearer]

Some games will run fine. I don't play a lot of games but have installed some for my wife. (Zuma, she's addicted)

Games are the only thing that linux lags behind on IMHO.
I use XP for WOW. and for that only.
If I had better hardware I could run it under linux, but as it is , it barely runs on XP with a lot of lag.

The only hardware issues I have ever had were with wireless in 2005 and that has been corrected, and with a Texas Instruments card reader. I found a workaround for it, and that too has been corrected since.

and I am not a tech savvy geek,
I can read though. ;)

i'd love to get your opinion on YLMF. the link i posted previously.
i tried it out on a spare computer. To me, it is what lindows should have been. i think it still uses a type of KDE.
If i had an office, i'd have machines running YLMF for business applications.
I was even thinking of start a liberty database with OpenSql

[ChaosControl]

Some games will run fine. I don't play a lot of games but have installed some for my wife. (Zuma, she's addicted)

Games are the only thing that linux lags behind on IMHO.
I use XP for WOW. and for that only.
If I had better hardware I could run it under linux, but as it is , it barely runs on XP with a lot of lag.

The only hardware issues I have ever had were with wireless in 2005 and that has been corrected, and with a Texas Instruments card reader. I found a workaround for it, and that too has been corrected since.

and I am not a tech savvy geek,
I can read though. ;)

Only game I'm concerned about running would be Final Fantasy 14. But I may just play that on the PS3 anyway, it is just I tend to prefer MMOs on the PC instead of he console. I was planning to update my PC and get Win7, but I think I'll stick with XP now. I dunno, I guess I could stick to just the PS3 for it.

[torchbearer]

Only game I'm concerned about running would be Final Fantasy 14. But I may just play that on the PS3 anyway, it is just I tend to prefer MMOs on the PC instead of he console. I was planning to update my PC and get Win7, but I think I'll stick with XP now. I dunno, I guess I could stick to just the PS3 for it.

windows 7 comes with windows xp too. (at least in the ultimate edition i'm using)
you get two OSes for the price of one.
on my system, anything that needs windows xp, I install in XP "mode", which is actually an integration of virtualpc into the OS along with hardware virtualization.(optional)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx?runGenuineCheck=true&system=9&lang=1&buttonClicked=winXpMode

[pcosmar]

i'd love to get your opinion on YLMF. the link i posted previously.
i tried it out on a spare computer. To me, it is what lindows should have been. i think it still uses a type of KDE.
If i had an office, i'd have machines running YLMF for business applications.
I was even thinking of start a liberty database with OpenSql

I really don't have one. It is based on Ubuntu and though I have tried Ubuntu I never cared for it.
Or any of the Debian based for that matter.
That is both the strength and drawback of Linux. There are a lot of choices. It is not a one size fits all system.
I have used and played with several. Slackware is what I would use for a server, but though solid and secure it is not "user friendly".
I had tried several and PCLinuxOS (http://pclinuxos.com/) has become my favorite. For a while it was called "the distro hopper stopper". It was in my case.
They are just about to release the 2010 edition, (with Gnome has been released).
They have helpful forums for any issues and a good community.
http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php
The Enlightenment desktop was a bit buggy when I tried it a few years ago, but it has come a long way. I may try it again. am liking what I see.
http://www.enlightenment.org/
http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,64509.0.html

[specsaregood]

That is both the strength and drawback of Linux. There are a lot of choices. It is not a one size fits all system.
Have you tried any of the BSDs?
I cut my teeth as a unix admin on BSDI and FreeBSD, then SunOS and Solaris. At the time Linux was still a "toy" capable of being remote exploited in mere seconds by any somewhat knowledgeable unix person. Still have a fondness for the BSD-style of things and for the license: I'll readily contribute to a BSD-licensed open source project, but not so readily to a GPL-licensed project.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Please explain what is funny? Any system dealing with secure financial information should have that information even secure from the sys admins. My comment is true concerning any operating system.

If you are worried about the OS, I'm sure your data will be perfectly secure... just so long as you never add to it, modify it, view it or otherwise access it....

The second you type in a password and decrypt it - you are screwed!

-t

[pcosmar]

Have you tried any of the BSDs?
I cut my teeth as a unix admin on BSDI and FreeBSD, then SunOS and Solaris. At the time Linux was still a "toy" capable of being remote exploited in mere seconds by any somewhat knowledgeable unix person. Still have a fondness for the BSD-style of things and for the license: I'll readily contribute to a BSD-licensed open source project, but not so readily to a GPL-licensed project.

Never a straight BSD system, but there are components in many linux systems and open source software.

[torchbearer]

we used Sun Sparc Stations at Louisiana Tech. We were using x-win before there was even a windows.

[messana]

Apparently the article was done in April 1st. April Fools Joke I hope?

http://forums.techarp.com/reviews-articles/25880-ed-118-spyware-microsoft-windows-7-a.html

http://text.broadbandreports.com/forum/r24036025-Potential-spyware-in-Win-7-antihack-update-Win-7-SP1

[ninepointfive]

As bad as all of this really is, I'm just glad some kind of foreign intelligence agency leaked the climategate e-mails.

[american.swan]

Crappy poll dude. I'm not. I like to eat and have a roof over my head.

I don't really like MS, but I have been fixing there problems for over 15 years which gives me a >$50K salary self-employed for about 15-20 hours a month of actual work.

The Linux guys I know in my trade - mind you my circle is about two years shy of 40 - are the brokest, most miserable dudes I know. If they didn't have a constant stream of weed and money coming from their aging parents they would die of depression.

MS has a foothold in the business world and it will be decades before this changes. I can't go sell a Linux network to a business without a thousand workarounds, dicking with WINE, and hours upon hours of user training. If I tried to, the Windows guy would get the sale and I'd be begging for bowls from my buddies and hitting Mom up for cash, just like my Linux pals.

I don't like using FRN's either, but if I show up at Best Buy with a Krugerrand I'm not getting my 3D-TV. ;)

I completely understand. Linux/Ubuntu is still the best.

[american.swan]

I hated Linux in college. No GUI. Finally Ubuntu came out and now I normally use windows, but I prefer Ubuntu. I always have Ubuntu installed along with Windows. I also make sure Windows can't read my Ubuntu partitions. I expect viruses and the like to ruin Windows regularly and when that happens I switch to Ubuntu. My wife was a virus / spyware collector. As a simple solution I installed XP64 and most viruses seem to have problems running in 64bit because my wife's surfing habits haven't changed.

[torchbearer]

I hated Linux in college. No GUI. Finally Ubuntu came out and now I normally use windows, but I prefer Ubuntu. I always have Ubuntu installed along with Windows. I also make sure Windows can't read my Ubuntu partitions. I expect viruses and the like to ruin Windows regularly and when that happens I switch to Ubuntu. My wife was a virus / spyware collector. As a simple solution I installed XP64 and most viruses seem to have problems running in 64bit because my wife's surfing habits haven't changed.

the only limitation for programs running in 64bitXP is that they be 32bit or higher.
a virus will still execute properly on your system. it will use wow64 to run normally.

[DAFTEK]

The poll is dumb as the options to vote are limited! Just don't install the update simple as that if you are scared of a shady copy that you know you own! If you did it can be easily be uninstalled via control panel KB971033 . Also just buy the damn thing on sale on black friday, Win7 is by far best product M$ has made so far. I love mine and it was worth every penny so far and got it for a hella deal at BB.. Suck it up linux. :p



Windows 7 Hackers Bypass Activation Technologies Update [KB971033]

Saturday, February 27, 2010
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SLMraXaQ8jY/S4md7i0R0LI/AAAAAAAACCU/r0Ul04CDbuA/windows7%20bypass%20activation%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=8 00
Microsoft has pushed a new update to it’s Windows 7 users which detects validation errors and activation exploits. This update known as Windows Activation Technologies (WAT) detects any tampering made to windows 7 system files.
Windows7 activation technologies is capable of detecting whether you’re having an original version of windows 7 by looking over 70 known and potentially dangerous activation and hacking exploits. With this update KB971033, Microsoft intends to notify it’s users whether they’re having a legitimate copy of windows7 or whether they’ve been tricked into buying a counterfeit software.
Even though hackers have easily managed to bypass this activation update, many folks who have been tricked into ‘purchasing’ cheap version Windows 7 from local black market vendors may have fallen prey for it.
So if you’re not sure from where you got your ‘copy’ of Windows 7 download (http://www.renjusblog.com/2009/09/free-windows7-full-version-download.html), it’s better advised to stay away this update.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SLMraXaQ8jY/S4md-czbuaI/AAAAAAAACCc/zo1aVh24SN4/windows7-bypass-activation-update_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800 (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SLMraXaQ8jY/S4md9KrnNxI/AAAAAAAACCY/zixutFBSOb0/s1600-h/windows7-bypass-activation-update%5B5%5D.jpg)
To bypass Windows 7 Activation Technologies Update, just look for an update named KB971033 in your update list. Scroll through each update manually and check the details on right hand side to spot this silent update. If found, just deselect it and continue. You’ve bypassed the ‘pirate’s threat’ from Microsoft successfully.
If you’ve already installed KB971033 update, then it checks and performs a validation process for your copy of windows7.
#Case 1: If no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files are detected on your system, then this update silently exits. That means you’re either having a legit copy of Win7 or a full proofed cracked Windows 7.
#Case 2: If it detects any tampered files, which occurs mostly in case of malware infected or custom repacked windows, then the update tries to restore the original file after a reboot. If unsuccessful, you’ll be notified and redirected to more detailed information on the internet.
#Case 3: If the validation update detects any validation errors and activation exploits, then you’ll be redirected to internet for the resolution of this error. And when the exploits and errors are removed, you’ll be asked to activate the Windows copy using genuine license keys. After that, you’ll be periodically notified that you’re copy of Windows7 is not genuine until you format your drive or install a fresh ‘genuine’ or ‘pirated’ copy of win7.
Prevention is way better than cure, so turn off the automatic updates in control panel asap and check each update manually before installing in order to bypass the windows 7 activation update from Microsoft.

Also note that these are not effected... :)

1. with PREACTIVATED DVD installer -- blocked
2 with Orb30 loader -- blocked
3. with OEM slp leaked -- blocked
4 with the lenovo key leaked -- blocked
5. Daz Loader -- blocked
6. hazar loader (old version) -- blocked
7. daz 7loade 1.7.3 -- blocked
8. AIO Kit builder with SLIC bios mod -- blocked
9 Hazar loader 1.6d -- blocked
10. Daz loader 1.7.7r <-- new edition -- blocked