New Version of WGA

[Gareth]

For anyone that's interested, Microsoft will shortly be releasing a new & improved version of Windows Genuine Advantage.

More info: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6139161.html [zdnet.com]

Originally Posted by zdnet

Microsoft will soon start pushing out a new version of its controversial Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications antipiracy tool to Windows XP users.

The updated WGA Notifications package includes additional changes in response to continued criticism Microsoft has faced over the software, the company said Tuesday. Microsoft in June also updated the tool after critics likened it to spyware because it checked in with Microsoft after each Windows restart.

In the latest update, Microsoft has changed the installation procedure of the tool so it's clearer to people what it does, said David Lazar, director of the Windows Genuine program at Microsoft.

so its still just as easy to say no then

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

so its still just as easy to say no then

I hope so

Originally Posted by Bill C

I hope so

They cant force it upon you as this wouldnt be legal they have to give you the option. Otherwise it will be malware and traceable

[dev]

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

They cant force it upon you as this wouldnt be legal they have to give you the option. Otherwise it will be malware and traceable

they can "force" it by saying its required to use windows update but give you the option of either installing and using windows update or not installing and not using windows update

but you still get critical updates which is all you really need.They have to close holes even on none wga machines as microsoft is the target of a lot of exploited machines and if microsoft can be found liable for allowing said machines to attack other companies then they could I spose be liable to litigation

[Lord Nikon]

*cough* Alternative windows update source *cough*

[Jon T]

I know this is kind of off topic but still relevent.

There a site on the net that provides a download that's got everything(updates) lumped together in one install. Only thing is, I can't for the life of me remember what is was called.

[SnoopZ]

Originally Posted by Jon T

I know this is kind of off topic but still relevent.

There a site on the net that provides a download that's got everything(updates) lumped together in one install. Only thing is, I can't for the life of me remember what is was called.

Autopatcher?

[Jon T]

Originally Posted by SnoopZ

Autopatcher?

Now why the heck couldn't I remember that, thanks!

[ADd]

WGA is used every time you visit M$ update site with your browser - WGA Notification is a little different, and in my opinion is a waste of Hard-Disc space (although the size is of the files is small) and bandwidth when it contacts M$.

I have an issue with the fact M$ regard it as a 'critical' update - hence using rhetoric to install it on a user's system, a majority of users will have no idea what it does - and will not deselect it for installation - or know how to remove it.

There was a little tool over at firewallleaktester which helped legitimate windows owners remove it, but M$ contacted the guys web-hosting company and forced him to take it down:
http://www.firewallleaktester.com/re..._forbidden.htm

Microsoft complained to my webhoster about RemoveWGA.exe hosted in my tool folder, and put pressure to make me remove it. I'm obliged to comply and have no choice about it.

I don't quite understand them as RemoveWGA is only designed to help the users who have a legit Windows copy. Moreover, RemoveWGA is now widespread and is available from many mirrors and in various P2P networks, so removing it from my website won't do that much.

They probably want to send a message, but I'm unsure if it will be really beneficial at the end. I let everyone makes his own opinion.