A comparison between Genuine Windows and Pirated Windows

[izanbardprince]

According to Microsoft:

Pirated Windows might contain viruses, worms, and spyware from the point of installation.

According to anyone that's ever used Windows:

Genuine Windows will undoubtedly become infested by spyware, rookits, viruses, worms, and potentially unwanted software eventually, under normal use, all you have to do is pop in a music CD from Sony or visit a malicious website using Internet Explorer.

Conclusion: It seems to me that if you unwittingly pirate a version of Windows that's been tampered with to include malware, they really just saved you the time and trouble of going out and finding it yourself.

:popcorn:

[g2g591]

lol!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[smoker]

Pirated Windows might contain viruses, worms, and spyware from the point of installation.
so, they're no different, really :-)

seriously, if you get a decent pirate copy slipstreamed with service packs and updates, it can save you a hell of a lot of time, though, of course, illegal!

i don't use windows at all now, though i have a valid key, so i would happily justify to myself using a time-saving pirate copy. it is easy to check for virus, worm, and spyware once installed.

[vwbeamer]

There are hacked copies out there that will fool MS into thinking they are genuine.

The trick is getting a key there are key generators, You just keep generating a key until you find one MS likes.

For some reason, some keys have unlimited installs.I'm not sure why MS allows this.

Point being, MS Windows is freefor those willing to break the law, and honest people with windows pay for it.

[Dimitriid]

Microsoft Windows IS spyware on its own right with Genuine Advantage and DRM if you ask me.

[juxtaposed]

According to Microsoft:

Pirated Windows might contain viruses, worms, and spyware from the point of installation.

Stupid microsoft lies.

They also say that WGA is to "protect the consumer". Honestly, that's a blatent lie if I ever heard one.

Difference between pirated copies and legal copies:
- Pirated Copies are often found customized (though there are untouched ones out there definitally), adding programs or making it faster and more optimized
- Pirated copies arn't affected by microsoft anti piracy stuff nearly as much as legal ones are (legal users are subjected to false positives often, while pirates just just cracks)
- One version is free, the other is not :)

[blithen]

Microsoft Windows IS spyware on its own right with Genuine Advantage and DRM if you ask me.

I totally agree. Windows is horrible. You might as well say. Microsoft Windows: Spyware version.

[g2g591]

I totally agree, using windows means your computer is using YOU.

[vambo]

Thought the OP was going to show that the pirated versions were more stable :)

[g2g591]

they probabily are :p

[Hex_Mandos]

A MS employee once told me that WGA was "for my protection", because they could use it to monitor which processes I was running. But she eventually agreed with me that if security is a concern, Windows is far from Unix-like OSes.

The difference between pirated Windows and genuine Windows is that with the former you get nothing for nothing, but with genuine Windows you get nothing in exchange for a big sum of cash.

[blithen]

A MS employee once told me that WGA was "for my protection", because they could use it to monitor which processes I was running. But she eventually agreed with me that if security is a concern, Windows is far from Unix-like OSes.

The difference between pirated Windows and genuine Windows is that with the former you get nothing for nothing, but with genuine Windows you get nothing in exchange for a big sum of cash.

Very good point.

[Kingsley]

I disagree with Microsoft's stance on pirated versions. The good Windows XP copies come with a firewall/antivirus already installed.:guitar:

[FurryNemesis]

*Idly wonders how he can make an ISO of his customised, OEM sourced (Toshiba) XP install to avoid SP2 pain every damn time he wants an XP partition*

Also, is this the process known as slipstreaming?

[tuxlinux]

Don't really care. Windows by itself is a 'virus'. Even if you managed to get a genuine copy of Windows when buying a new desktop or laptop, more 'viruses' (Norton, McCafee, etc) are bundled together.

I am a tech-savvy in Windows. I tried my best to protect it from any kind of malware, spyware, virus, adware, rootkit, put firewall, yet they still succeed to invade my system.

Now, I am slowly migrating to Linux. Hopefully I can say a real goodbye to Windows one day!

[rrinker]

Ya'll can revoke my Ubuntu card after this post, but honestly I am sick and tired of peopel on either side spreading a bunch of junk about the opposing OS. I use both XP and Ubuntu, Ubuntu exclusively at home right now, and I absolutely love it. But I've also been using Windows since the 1.0 runtime that came with a couple of games back in the IBM XT/AT days, and including XP since the official release date. I have NEVER had any viruses or spyware on my Windows PCs. Not EVER. The problem isn't Windows, the problem is that it's gotten too damn easy to use a computer, so everyone and their brother can buy one at the nearest discount store and get online. All the blame laid on the feet of Outlook - well if you put the mouse pointer on the URL in one of those fake EBay emails, it SHOWS the URL it will take you to, which naturally isn't a real EBay URL. But everyone just clicks on the damn things without paying attention, and wonders why their credit card info gets stolen. And consequently blame Windows.
And while there may be a few cable/dsl services that are stupid enough to give each user a public IP, most of the ones I've seen recently give you a private IP for your side of the connection and use NAT. With no ports open to allow outsiders into your system. Not that I would operate with a high-speed always-on connection without a decent firewall in place - but then Joe Sixpack computer user doesn't understand this, and neither does the typical cable or phone company employee.
Linux isn't virus proof - anyone who believes that is smoking some good stuff. There are two reasons there aren't more viruses in the Linux world. #1, the target market is too small. And #2, most of use that use Linux tend to be a bit higher on the technical scale and far less likely to fall for stupid scam emails and web sites. Don't tell me it's not possible to create a malicious program that mimics the update mechanism in Ubuntu and convinces the user to type in the root password. The thing is, most of us would see right through it and know it's bogus. But give Joe Sixpack a computer with Linux and let's see how many of them could be fooled by the spoof update.
Sure there are holes in Windows, but then when they tighten things up, ala Vista, people complain about having to answer prompts all the time. It's a no-win situation. I do not doubt they could completely lock Windows down so you would need to explicitly enter a special password to install software, but I can only imagine the hue and cry from the average user about how 'hard' they make it to do things.

[Quillz]

You shouldn't have posted all that, don't you know that people who dare try to defend Windows get burned at the stake here?

[cmat]

I really don't like the concept of WGA. How it phones home every two weeks or so. But pirated copies may contain viruses in repackaged installation files. You should purchase real copies of Windows if you need to use it. Warez groups enjoy hosing your PC.

[dracule]

Ya'll can revoke my Ubuntu card after this post, but honestly I am sick and tired of peopel on either side spreading a bunch of junk about the opposing OS. I use both XP and Ubuntu, Ubuntu exclusively at home right now, and I absolutely love it. But I've also been using Windows since the 1.0 runtime that came with a couple of games back in the IBM XT/AT days, and including XP since the official release date. I have NEVER had any viruses or spyware on my Windows PCs. Not EVER. The problem isn't Windows, the problem is that it's gotten too damn easy to use a computer, so everyone and their brother can buy one at the nearest discount store and get online. All the blame laid on the feet of Outlook - well if you put the mouse pointer on the URL in one of those fake EBay emails, it SHOWS the URL it will take you to, which naturally isn't a real EBay URL. But everyone just clicks on the damn things without paying attention, and wonders why their credit card info gets stolen. And consequently blame Windows.
And while there may be a few cable/dsl services that are stupid enough to give each user a public IP, most of the ones I've seen recently give you a private IP for your side of the connection and use NAT. With no ports open to allow outsiders into your system. Not that I would operate with a high-speed always-on connection without a decent firewall in place - but then Joe Sixpack computer user doesn't understand this, and neither does the typical cable or phone company employee.
Linux isn't virus proof - anyone who believes that is smoking some good stuff. There are two reasons there aren't more viruses in the Linux world. #1, the target market is too small. And #2, most of use that use Linux tend to be a bit higher on the technical scale and far less likely to fall for stupid scam emails and web sites. Don't tell me it's not possible to create a malicious program that mimics the update mechanism in Ubuntu and convinces the user to type in the root password. The thing is, most of us would see right through it and know it's bogus. But give Joe Sixpack a computer with Linux and let's see how many of them could be fooled by the spoof update.
Sure there are holes in Windows, but then when they tighten things up, ala Vista, people complain about having to answer prompts all the time. It's a no-win situation. I do not doubt they could completely lock Windows down so you would need to explicitly enter a special password to install software, but I can only imagine the hue and cry from the average user about how 'hard' they make it to do things.

I completely agree

and I LOVE how linux users complain about the UAC in vista, but see nothing wrong with having to type in the root password for updating... installing programs and running certain programs. its pretty sad.

[screaminj3sus]

I know people that have had more trouble with wga in legal copies of window than pirated ones it's kind of ridiculous.

[cmat]

I know people that have had more trouble with wga in legal copies of window than pirated ones it's kind of ridiculous.

Happened to me >:(

Reinstalled my XP and then WGA gave me all kinds of trouble. I was able to pass all the WGA checks on the previous install. I guess my CD key was invalidated or something. They must have got a ping saying that the CD was being used on two systems and invalidated it. Even though it was a reinstall because I got a new PC.

[kamaboko]

I completely agree

and I LOVE how linux users complain about the UAC in vista, but see nothing wrong with having to type in the root password for updating... installing programs and running certain programs. its pretty sad.

Exactamundo.

[Carbon Tiger]

Exactamundo.

Ah yes they password thing. Let me explain again how it worked on my end. In Vista it randomly pop up every time I changed anything in the control settings, installed a program, and running a few programs. It was popping up on running installed files.

It would take 10 seconds to pull its window lag the entire system to the point where it looked like it was crashing. And on another note, how did this make me more safe its not asking for a password or anything its just pestering me.

In Ubuntu I know when its going to ask for my password. It only ask for my password when I install new programs, update the system or use mighty admin powers. So I know when its coming and it stops in 1 second I punch my password and it does its thing. Also it remembers my password for 15 minutes and you can bulk install programs all at once on one entering of the password.

Why don't I mind entering my password in Ubuntu ? Because I only see it maybe once a day and when I do see it, it makes sense for it to be there.

[CowzRule]

*Idly wonders how he can make an ISO of his customised, OEM sourced (Toshiba) XP install to avoid SP2 pain every damn time he wants an XP partition*

Also, is this the process known as slipstreaming?

Yes it is. Check out:
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/winxp-sp2-bootcd.html
And take a look at:
http://www.nliteos.com/nlite.html

[Paulmd]

*Idly wonders how he can make an ISO of his customised, OEM sourced (Toshiba) XP install to avoid SP2 pain every damn time he wants an XP partition*

Also, is this the process known as slipstreaming?

With the regular win2k cd, (Or later NTFS OS), you can slipstream a service pack into a copy of the Install CDs. Microsoft built that functionality in deliberately, to make life easier for technicians. There are several programs to make this easier. Autostreamer, is one. MS doesn't seem to have a problem with copying the CDs, only not having a product key is a big issue with them.

You may not be able to do this with a customized disk, though. Only way to find out is to try.

[darksong]

Ya'll can revoke my Ubuntu card after this post, but honestly I am sick and tired of peopel on either side spreading a bunch of junk about the opposing OS. I use both XP and Ubuntu, Ubuntu exclusively at home right now, and I absolutely love it. But I've also been using Windows since the 1.0 runtime that came with a couple of games back in the IBM XT/AT days, and including XP since the official release date. I have NEVER had any viruses or spyware on my Windows PCs. Not EVER. The problem isn't Windows, the problem is that it's gotten too damn easy to use a computer, so everyone and their brother can buy one at the nearest discount store and get online. All the blame laid on the feet of Outlook - well if you put the mouse pointer on the URL in one of those fake EBay emails, it SHOWS the URL it will take you to, which naturally isn't a real EBay URL. But everyone just clicks on the damn things without paying attention, and wonders why their credit card info gets stolen. And consequently blame Windows.
And while there may be a few cable/dsl services that are stupid enough to give each user a public IP, most of the ones I've seen recently give you a private IP for your side of the connection and use NAT. With no ports open to allow outsiders into your system. Not that I would operate with a high-speed always-on connection without a decent firewall in place - but then Joe Sixpack computer user doesn't understand this, and neither does the typical cable or phone company employee.
Linux isn't virus proof - anyone who believes that is smoking some good stuff. There are two reasons there aren't more viruses in the Linux world. #1, the target market is too small. And #2, most of use that use Linux tend to be a bit higher on the technical scale and far less likely to fall for stupid scam emails and web sites. Don't tell me it's not possible to create a malicious program that mimics the update mechanism in Ubuntu and convinces the user to type in the root password. The thing is, most of us would see right through it and know it's bogus. But give Joe Sixpack a computer with Linux and let's see how many of them could be fooled by the spoof update.
Sure there are holes in Windows, but then when they tighten things up, ala Vista, people complain about having to answer prompts all the time. It's a no-win situation. I do not doubt they could completely lock Windows down so you would need to explicitly enter a special password to install software, but I can only imagine the hue and cry from the average user about how 'hard' they make it to do things.

I agree with the points you have made here :D - nice post

Most the arguments on the first page are incorrect. TBH, people like that give this linux community a bad name with such closed minded behavior.

I like both linux in its many forms and windows, including me and vista - why are some linux users so closed minded and blind?

[darksong]

Ah yes they password thing. Let me explain again how it worked on my end. In Vista it randomly pop up every time I changed anything in the control settings, installed a program, and running a few programs. It was popping up on running installed files.

It would take 10 seconds to pull its window lag the entire system to the point where it looked like it was crashing. And on another note, how did this make me more safe its not asking for a password or anything its just pestering me.

In Ubuntu I know when its going to ask for my password. It only ask for my password when I install new programs, update the system or use mighty admin powers. So I know when its coming and it stops in 1 second I punch my password and it does its thing. Also it remembers my password for 15 minutes and you can bulk install programs all at once on one entering of the password.

Why don't I mind entering my password in Ubuntu ? Because I only see it maybe once a day and when I do see it, it makes sense for it to be there.

And only if you are install applications and using the "almighty admin powers" in windows will you ever see UAC. I personally think its a good thing that they included it so i have controll over what is running on my system.

[M$LOL]

The problem isn't Windows

Yes it is. If Windows wasn't such a big screwup from a security point of view then a helluva lot less people would be getting nasty infections.

Linux isn't virus proof - anyone who believes that is smoking some good stuff. There are two reasons there aren't more viruses in the Linux world. #1, the target market is too small. And #2, most of use that use Linux tend to be a bit higher on the technical scale and far less likely to fall for stupid scam emails and web sites. Don't tell me it's not possible to create a malicious program that mimics the update mechanism in Ubuntu and convinces the user to type in the root password. The thing is, most of us would see right through it and know it's bogus. But give Joe Sixpack a computer with Linux and let's see how many of them could be fooled by the spoof update.

The Linux structure is far less susceptible than the Windows one, and Linux is most definitely more secure overall. Your two reasons might be valid, but they damn well aren't the only ones.

Sure there are holes in Windows, but then when they tighten things up, ala Vista, people complain about having to answer prompts all the time. It's a no-win situation. I do not doubt they could completely lock Windows down so you would need to explicitly enter a special password to install software, but I can only imagine the hue and cry from the average user about how 'hard' they make it to do things.
Nope, UAC is not tightening security, it's just putting the blame on the user instead of the OS.
I completely agree

and I LOVE how linux users complain about the UAC in vista, but see nothing wrong with having to type in the root password for updating... installing programs and running certain programs. its pretty sad.

I already answered this in another thread. Must we discuss this in all of them?

[smoker]

A comparison between Genuine Windows and Pirated Windows

this is supposed to be a comparison between pirate and genuine windows, why do some people have to make everything a 'war' between windows and linux. if some of you vehemently feel you have to defend windows, then please do it in the context of the thread!

I already answered this in another thread. Must we discuss this in all of them?
seems, unfortunately, to be the case :confused:

[insane_alien]

and I LOVE how linux users complain about the UAC in vista, but see nothing wrong with having to type in the root password for updating... installing programs and running certain programs. its pretty sad.

i've never entered the root password in linux. infact, there is NO root password.there is only my user password.

also, the last time i entered (appart from logging in) was 4 days ago when i installed some updates.

last time i used vista i had t wait for a window to pop up and then click a little button even when i wanted to do relatively minor things.

UAC is not comparable to sudo. sudo provides security, UAC provides the illusion of security.

[asleepfromtheday]

I dont sudo, i activate my root account, but unlike windows there is a distinction between the user and root account.

On linux, it is not required for a user to revalidate a login when an application is launched, i enter my user password once a session, and my root one whenever i need a root terminal, mabye 5 times a week.
my computer has no viruses, and my server has been running for 8 weeks including ltsp, nfs,samba,cups, a local login and a media centre app connected to my TV.
How many windows users can tell me their media center pc or Vista sh** box will perform fast and clean 8 weeks straight..and counting? Reboot after every game and get hacked through msn! :guitar:

[asleepfromtheday]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rrinker View Post
Ya'll can revoke my Ubuntu card after this post, but honestly I am sick and tired of peopel on either side spreading a bunch of junk about the opposing OS. I use both XP and Ubuntu, Ubuntu exclusively at home right now, and I absolutely love it. But I've also been using Windows since the 1.0 runtime that came with a couple of games back in the IBM XT/AT days, and including XP since the official release date. I have NEVER had any viruses or spyware on my Windows PCs. Not EVER. The problem isn't Windows, the problem is that it's gotten too damn easy to use a computer, so everyone and their brother can buy one at the nearest discount store and get online. All the blame laid on the feet of Outlook - well if you put the mouse pointer on the URL in one of those fake EBay emails, it SHOWS the URL it will take you to, which naturally isn't a real EBay URL. But everyone just clicks on the damn things without paying attention, and wonders why their credit card info gets stolen. And consequently blame Windows.
And while there may be a few cable/dsl services that are stupid enough to give each user a public IP, most of the ones I've seen recently give you a private IP for your side of the connection and use NAT. With no ports open to allow outsiders into your system. Not that I would operate with a high-speed always-on connection without a decent firewall in place - but then Joe Sixpack computer user doesn't understand this, and neither does the typical cable or phone company employee.
Linux isn't virus proof - anyone who believes that is smoking some good stuff. There are two reasons there aren't more viruses in the Linux world. #1, the target market is too small. And #2, most of use that use Linux tend to be a bit higher on the technical scale and far less likely to fall for stupid scam emails and web sites. Don't tell me it's not possible to create a malicious program that mimics the update mechanism in Ubuntu and convinces the user to type in the root password. The thing is, most of us would see right through it and know it's bogus. But give Joe Sixpack a computer with Linux and let's see how many of them could be fooled by the spoof update.
Sure there are holes in Windows, but then when they tighten things up, ala Vista, people complain about having to answer prompts all the time. It's a no-win situation. I do not doubt they could completely lock Windows down so you would need to explicitly enter a special password to install software, but I can only imagine the hue and cry from the average user about how 'hard' they make it to do things.
I agree with the points you have made here - nice post

Most the arguments on the first page are incorrect. TBH, people like that give this linux community a bad name with such closed minded behavior.

I like both linux in its many forms and windows, including me and vista - why are some linux users so closed minded and blind?



Didn't see this one!. Linux users are not blind, we are simply aware of the Microsoft monopoly, and more importantly the restrictive nature of using closed source formats. Will i be able to access my .doc files on my ntfs disc in 10 years? only if MS lets me! But my .odt's on my ext3 will always be mine to enjoy. microsoft sell you a runtime copy of their code, copied for the fraction of a cent of power needed for the machine to press the disc, if they gave you the source then at least the hundreds of dollars spent would be worth it. If car makers welded down bonnets....

[dracule]

I dont sudo, i activate my root account, but unlike windows there is a distinction between the user and root account.

On linux, it is not required for a user to revalidate a login when an application is launched, i enter my user password once a session, and my root one whenever i need a root terminal, mabye 5 times a week.
my computer has no viruses, and my server has been running for 8 weeks including ltsp, nfs,samba,cups, a local login and a media centre app connected to my TV.
How many windows users can tell me their media center pc or Vista sh** box will perform fast and clean 8 weeks straight..and counting? Reboot after every game and get hacked through msn! :guitar:

i for one have had no problems with XP or vista for the past 5 months. infact the only reason i had to restart my XP machine was to apply some updates. but other than that, my xp and vista machines are never off.

[asleepfromtheday]

I am not calling you a liar, but i find that very hard to believe, considering XP's terrible memory management :-P

[M$LOL]

i've never entered the root password in linux. infact, there is NO root password.there is only my user password.

also, the last time i entered (appart from logging in) was 4 days ago when i installed some updates.

last time i used vista i had t wait for a window to pop up and then click a little button even when i wanted to do relatively minor things.

UAC is not comparable to sudo. sudo provides security, UAC provides the illusion of security.

Well, yeah it does have a root password, but you don't need to use it. You can change it in System -> Administration -> Users and Groups and look at the properties of root.

[insane_alien]

i thought that the root account was disabled by default. i knew you could activate it and give it a password and i did it once on a previous install.

oh well, i never use it anyway.

[cobrn1]

There is a root account, but the account is locked.

This is done by making the encrypted pasword that is stored in the config files invalid (I believe it is an asterisk, but i'm not 100% sure). Anyway, it wouldn't matter what you typed it, you could never decrypt it to the asterisk, so you can never hack into the root account - quite cool IMO.

You can set your own root password, but be aware that when(/if) you disable the root account again, it will not be 'locked like last time - I believe there is a difference. I don't think it puts an asterisk as the 'encrypted and untypable' password again. It's something I'm planning to look into when I have more time.

[asleepfromtheday]

Re: A comparison between Genuine Windows and Pirated Windows
There is a root account, but the account is locked.

This is done by making the encrypted pasword that is stored in the config files invalid (I believe it is an asterisk, but i'm not 100% sure). Anyway, it wouldn't matter what you typed it, you could never decrypt it to the asterisk, so you can never hack into the root account - quite cool IMO.

You can set your own root password, but be aware that when(/if) you disable the root account again, it will not be 'locked like last time - I believe there is a difference. I don't think it puts an asterisk as the 'encrypted and untypable' password again. It's something I'm planning to look into when I have more time.

just sudo passwd root in a terminal. :guitar:

[M$LOL]

i thought that the root account was disabled by default. i knew you could activate it and give it a password and i did it once on a previous install.

oh well, i never use it anyway.

It is.

[SPRL]

40065

This sums up MS to me :lolflag:

[cobrn1]

Re: A comparison between Genuine Windows and Pirated Windows
There is a root account, but the account is locked.

This is done by making the encrypted pasword that is stored in the config files invalid (I believe it is an asterisk, but i'm not 100% sure). Anyway, it wouldn't matter what you typed it, you could never decrypt it to the asterisk, so you can never hack into the root account - quite cool IMO.

You can set your own root password, but be aware that when(/if) you disable the root account again, it will not be 'locked like last time - I believe there is a difference. I don't think it puts an asterisk as the 'encrypted and untypable' password again. It's something I'm planning to look into when I have more time.

just sudo passwd root in a terminal. :guitar:

Firstly, feel free to use the quote function of the forums, it's much clearer than Re: (at first I thought you'd just copied my post word for word, then realised you were referencing to it... Quote is better.

Anyway, I know how to change the root password in ubuntu. What I was referring to when I said I'd look into it was what would happen when you change the root password but then lock the account again. I don't think it reverts back, and this can bugger up a thing or to I think (ie, you may be asked for a password when entering the recovery mode, whereas before you wouldn't be...).