Microsoft updates Windows without users' consent?

[newbie2]

Microsoft has begun patching files on Windows XP and Vista without users' knowledge (http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9036058&intsrc=news_ts_head), even when the users have turned off auto-updates (http://www.windowssecrets.com/2007/09/13/01-Microsoft-updates-Windows-without-users-consent).
:rolleyes:

[sstusick]

One reason why I left Winblows.

[Tautoa]

Is it just me, or are Microsoft doing more to convert people to Linux than any of us lot are?
We should be ashamed :)

[sstusick]

Microsoft will hang themselves... give them enough rope... and it's bound to happen.

[BoyOfDestiny]

Is it just me, or are Microsoft doing more to convert people to Linux than any of us lot are?
We should be ashamed :)

Indeed. MS Definitely encouraged me years ago to look into ditching their stuff. ;) I use these features as the main bonus in switching OS's(besides the usual secure out of the box, hey look a package manager, type of benefits :) )

http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/operating_systems/windows_updates_sneaky_updates.html?kc=MWRSS02129T X1K0000535

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=774

Anyway the above links, a few more details on this secret updating of files, and verification of it.

[Chymera]

Out of the many "blows" delivered by windows vista, i don't believe this is a severe one, i mean it definitely benefits the absolutely non-techy user to get certain updates without being prompted or having to worry about it.

[angryfirelord]

I've noticed this on my Vista machine & it pissed me off when it bypassed the settings. I told it to download, NOT INSTALL the updates, yet it went & did it anyway. Of course, Vista likes to take an extra long time installing updates, so I was almost late for class trying to get it to shut down.

Linux doesn't need to advertise. Microsoft will just **** off its users more and more until they switch to Linux. :)

[angryfirelord]

Out of the many "blows" delivered by windows vista, i don't believe this is a severe one, i mean it definitely benefits the absolutely non-techy user to get certain updates without being prompted or having to worry about it.
This exposes a security hole, IMO. Let's say a hacker gets a hold on the autoupdate feature and exploits it. They could route the IP address to another machine and let it download malware & other goodies, while fooling the user into thinking it's just updates. I see a HUGE security risk with this feature.

[kulturloseramerikaner]

I see a HUGE security risk with this feature.
"Feature" isn't the word I would use, but I see your point. And who knows what other poking around in your system they might be doing? Checking out what I've pulled from torrent sites? Finding out new ways of bombing me with targeted advertising? Where does it stop?

[angryfirelord]

Where does it stop?
With Linux. ;-)

[sstusick]

With Linux. ;-)

:grin:

[zero244]

Thats the first I have heard about doing updates with auto update turned off.
I havent done updates with XP for years. I didnt even update to SP2.
I dont have any problems so why update.
By the way I dont update this machine anymore either.........>Im running Edgy and havent updated anything for several months.

[tm24fan]

Thats the first I have heard about doing updates with auto update turned off.
I havent done updates with XP for years. I didnt even update to SP2.
I dont have any problems so why update.
By the way I dont update this machine anymore either.........>Im running Edgy and havent updated anything for several months.

If you don't update, you don't get security holes patched. So, while you might THINK you don't have problems, you don't really know what's getting into your computer.

[kulturloseramerikaner]

If you don't update, you don't get security holes patched. So, while you might THINK you don't have problems, you don't really know what's getting into your computer.

Especially on your XP box.

[kulturloseramerikaner]

With Linux. ;-)

One of the many reasons why I'm here my friend!

[olieviya]

Is it just me, or are Microsoft doing more to convert people to Linux than any of us lot are?
We should be ashamed :)

:lolflag:

[lisati]

I've noticed this on my Vista machine & it pissed me off when it bypassed the settings. I told it to download, NOT INSTALL the updates, yet it went & did it anyway. Of course, Vista likes to take an extra long time installing updates, so I was almost late for class trying to get it to shut down.

Linux doesn't need to advertise. Microsoft will just **** off its users more and more until they switch to Linux. :)

If I'd produced code that behaved like that (installing stuff without permission) when working as a programmer, I would have been fired!

[tehhaxorr]

If you aren't pirating software and running a child porn ring, then why care? At the end of the day it's just software, if you have so much of your life invested in your computer that it makes you feel violated, then i feel sorry for you.

[angryfirelord]

If you aren't pirating software and running a child porn ring, then why care? At the end of the day it's just software, if you have so much of your life invested in your computer that it makes you feel violated, then i feel sorry for you.
The point is, Windows is doing things without your permission and even if the data you hold isn't illegal or important, it sill is your data & you have a right to privacy (unless it says in the EULA that you don't).

[kulturloseramerikaner]

If you aren't pirating software and running a child porn ring, then why care? At the end of the day it's just software, if you have so much of your life invested in your computer that it makes you feel violated, then i feel sorry for you.
OK, lets go ahead then and all give the government spare keys to our houses so they can come in when they like and snoop around. At the end of the day it's just a building, right?
It doesn't matter if you have anything illegal in there or not, you deserve to control how and to what extent your personal info is accessable on a computer YOU bought and paid for, and control. It's an invasion of privacy and a breach of trust. MS, by giving you the option to change settings of how you wish to handle updates, is stating that you have the right to control how that process is done on your system. By doing these back-door updates, they are removing that right.
Toyota can't pop the hood on my truck and start mucking around without my consent, why should MS be able to do that on another machine my life relies heavily on?
Oh, but I guess it's just a truck.
If you feel that your use of your system and especially your privacy are so worthless, I feel sorry for you.

[sstusick]

Well put, kulturloseramerikaner :-D

[kulturloseramerikaner]

Thank you, just giving my $.02.

[buzzmandt]

OK, lets go ahead then and all give the government spare keys to our houses so they can come in when they like and snoop around. At the end of the day it's just a building, right?
It doesn't matter if you have anything illegal in there or not, you deserve to control how and to what extent your personal info is accessable on a computer YOU bought and paid for, and control. It's an invasion of privacy and a breach of trust. MS, by giving you the option to change settings of how you wish to handle updates, is stating that you have the right to control how that process is done on your system. By doing these back-door updates, they are removing that right.
Toyota can't pop the hood on my truck and start mucking around without my consent, why should MS be able to do that on another machine my life relies heavily on?
Oh, but I guess it's just a truck.
If you feel that your use of your system and especially your privacy are so worthless, I feel sorry for you.

I am NOT a MS advocate and can't stand windows anymore, have three computers all running ubuntu.....

But, your argument has one flaw, when you buy that toyota truck it's yours to do as you wish with. When you buy windows, it isn't yours, you just get a license saying you can use it.

other than that I think the US courts should revisit anti trust and questionable business practice suits against MS

[Beau D.]

I am NOT a MS advocate and can't stand windows anymore, have three computers all running ubuntu.....

But, your argument has one flaw, when you buy that toyota truck it's yours to do as you wish with. When you buy windows, it isn't yours, you just get a license saying you can use it.

other than that I think the US courts should revisit anti trust and questionable business practice suits against MS


Then again..it is running on hardware I PAID for, and own. Nor licensed to use, or some eula. How does one handle that? May be their OS, in theory, but it's not their net connection, or bandwidth. I feel sorry for anyone who uses any MS product. Feel free to give up your freedoms and rights all you wish. Just don't think you speak for anyone else.

I'm always amused when one has to defend their liberties under the guise of "if you have nothing to hide"

Beau D.

[lisati]

When I get round to upgrading my gear, I'll be doing my homework so that I don't have to pay the ridiculous price that MS asks for its products. With the near-monopoly they have, economies of scale have been hidden by outright greed!

[kulturloseramerikaner]

I am NOT a MS advocate and can't stand windows anymore, have three computers all running ubuntu.....

But, your argument has one flaw, when you buy that toyota truck it's yours to do as you wish with. When you buy windows, it isn't yours, you just get a license saying you can use it.

other than that I think the US courts should revisit anti trust and questionable business practice suits against MS

Fine. Let's say for argument I'm leasing my truck instead. Don't own it. Toyota STILL can't drop by when they want to and pop the hood. Neither should MS be allowed in my if I don't want them.

[shinepuppy]

If you aren't pirating software and running a child porn ring, then why care? At the end of the day it's just software, if you have so much of your life invested in your computer that it makes you feel violated, then i feel sorry for you.

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." -- Benjamin Franklin

Some people's livelihoods depend on their computers... say, unix administrators like me for example :) To these people, their computers may be just as important as their house (and I certainly wouldn't give MS a key to my house).

It might be MS's OS but it is your data! I shared similar views when I was young and naive (not a flame, simply stating the truth about my younger years). Once someone takes advantage of you due to your dangerously open viewpoint you'll become more cynical.

[Midwest-Linux]

Then again..it is running on hardware I PAID for, and own. Nor licensed to use, or some eula. How does one handle that? May be their OS, in theory, but it's not their net connection, or bandwidth. I feel sorry for anyone who uses any MS product. Feel free to give up your freedoms and rights all you wish. Just don't think you speak for anyone else.

I'm always amused when one has to defend their liberties under the guise of "if you have nothing to hide"

Beau D.


The analogy would be if you bought a truck with a Microsoft motor. The motor comes with conditions and yet costs a lot of money but works fairly well with the truck.

You own the truck, tires, doors, body frame, transmission...but don't own the motor although it is your truck. You can replace the microsoft motor with a free or less expensive motor with no conditions.


You might have to get some adapters to match up the free motor with the rest of the truck and since the motor is different not all the "features" will work. But since its a motor, it will power the truck after some minor modifications...but then ...you really own the whole truck...


I am not defending Microsoft...just using a illustration. But going further...it should be your right however to buy the truck without a microsoft motor and get a discount in the process. No one should force you to use a microsoft motor and make you pay for it.