I can't believe that someone is supporting Microsoft! Those millions of dollars that 
they are losing in Asia are still being lost, as it hasn't made any difference to 
software piracy there - it's just more of a pain in the arse here!

Product activation has stopped me from buying Windows XP. I might buy it some time 
in the future, but I swap and change pieces of hardware around in PC's relatively 
often, and don't want the hassle of constantly getting in touch with MS.

It has been pointed out that product activation might be costing MS quite a bit of 
money to employ, but it is reaping its rewards in the free information about the 
hardware that their software is running on - completely free market research that 
is guaranteed to be free of errors as all computers using it have been logged.

I don't think it is necessarily paranoid to think that MS have ulterior motives or 
that they are unscrupulous, as their past records is hardly an unblemished one!





On Sunday, February 17, 2002 at 2:03 pm, Paul D wrote:
>You don't!
You talk about Microsoft's paranoia, but 
>your post is equally paranoid. They are being ripped off, particularly in Asia, 
to 
>the tune of millions of dollars a day, so their wish to tighten up is understandable.
From 
>what I've heard in forums, activation is pretty painless and quick. You can do some 
>research at the MS website about it, and you'll find the assurances you seek about 
>personal information.
And don't worry - there'll be limitations on what you can 
>do with music CDs in the very near future.
>
color=#3366FF>Paul D

>
>
>



>On Sunday, February 17, 2002 at 1:41 pm, BW wrote:

>I have a comment about How 


>do I skip the Product Activation in Windows XP?:


>

>Microsoft seems so paranoid about piracy. That problem will likely always exist. 


>I personally have been offered software by well-meaning friends to copy/install 
>from their CD's. However, I prefer to stay within the ethical/legal limits and purchase 
>what I want. I have upgraded Office twice, and Win 98 once. When the day comes that 
>I have to have my software "activated," I will purchase other products. Activation 
>is a needless aggravation. How long would one be put on hold with phone activation? 
>What assurance do we have that no personal info is scanned from our computer with 
>online activation?? Do we have our music CD's activated?? 

>

>

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