Microsoft SP2 will run on pirated Windows XP

MICROSOFT IS SET to release the new Windows XP service pack (SP2) for all XP users – that includes users with pirated copies.
Product manager Barry Goffe told Computer Times that Microsoft "haven't explicitly done anything to SP2 to exclude it from pirated copies". Whereas SP1 had features built in to prevent pirates from downloading it, the SP2 patch can be installed on all XP computers.

One of the main reasons Microsoft is making the SP2 patch open to all users is the increasing risk of trojans and worms being spread online. Not only does this have an effect on the infected computer, but on the rest of the internet as a whole, Microsoft says.

The SP2 includes a built in firewall, which will be turned on by default, that automatically locks ports common for worm-writers to use. Another feature with the upgrade is a much more aggressive patching and updating system – instead of Windows pop-ups politely (but annoyingly) asking you to get updates, you'll be constantly harassed until you do.

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http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=15812

No comment :eyes:

of the Internet is more important than MS bottom line and I'm glad MS realise that.

edited: because I misread your post :-)

"instead of Windows pop-ups politely (but annoyingly) asking you to get updates, you'll be constantly harassed until you do"

thus setting the stage, in a year or two, for you to be harassed and threatened by Microsoft to upgrade your copy of Microsoft Office (for a fee, of course).

(I'm sorry Dave, but the terms of your software license agreement requires regular upgrades. You know it's for your own protection. )

For one, I've already got a good firewall (Norton Internet Security), as well as a tweaked HOSTS file. Nothing gets into my system. The XP firewall causes serious conflicts and blocks tons of stuff I actually need and use.

And I've given up on IE. Stupid browser hasn't had an update in almost three years. I use Avant and Mozilla Firefox. Microsoft lost out in the browser wars.

I'll wait and see what happens after they release it.