[Security] Microsoft sneaks in updates while no one's looking

Before, I called Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage Tool as spyware. Now, another suspicious activity regarding Windows XP and Vista has been reported.

InformationWeek reports on Microsoft secretly updating Windows Update, the tool used by Windows for checking and installing patches to the operating system, even if the Windows Update is turned off by the user. In short, the operating system is being updated without the user's permission.

Microsoft's stance was understandable but quite risky. As Bruce Schneier opines:

Note that Microsoft can do this; that's just stupid company stuff. But what's to stop anyone else from using Microsoft's stealth remote install capability to put anything onto anyone's computer? How long before some smart hacker exploits this, and then writes a program that will allow all the dumb hackers to do it?

When you build a capability like this into your system, you decrease your overall security.

For Windows users: have you turned off Automatic Updates? Why?

[Microsoft] Microsoft to Release Windows XP SP3 in 2008

Users of Microsoft Windows XP, heads up. It seems that Microsoft's releasing Service Pack 3 early next year:

Given XP's continued strength, it makes sense that Microsoft continues to support it, and it appears it will do so with SP3, which is scheduled to make an appearance in the first half of next year.

Unfortunately, Microsoft is releasing few details about the service pack. According to an e-mail from a Microsoft spokesperson, "We're currently planning to deliver SP3 for Windows XP in the first half of CY2008. This date is preliminary, and we don't have any more details to share at this time."

I wonder what Microsoft will include in this release.

[Microsoft] Windows Yellow State

It's just been announced that Microsoft has now created a new "yellow state" as part of it's Windows Genuin Advantage software authentication tool. Essentially this new state is for cases when they're just not sure whether or not your copy of Windows is authentic for any number of reasons and thus provides you with alternatives in terms of how to handle things.

I suppose this has been done in response to the relatively high numbers of false-positive flags when it comes to WGA trying to figure out if a user's copy of Windows is legitimate. Rather than sticking the to black or white test of the past, this new level is, well, a definite maybe for some users. Sorry, I couldn't resist saying that.

One one side, it's a good move by Microsoft, I suppose. It'll reduce the number of complaints that stem from users "falsely" tagged as software pirates while providing Microsoft a way to validate users authenticity while fine-tuning how WGA tests systems based on the traffic they'll see from users trying to resolve to get their system out of the yellow state. Then again, it's probably going to revive all the usual gripes about why do we continue to deal with the software giant at all, haha.

Take your pick, I suppose.

Now I'm wondering how many legitimate users are now going to get flagged as "possible" pirates...

Related Links:

• CNET News.com: Windows adds 'maybe pirate' category
  
• Ars Technica: Windows Genuine Advantage's newest setting: 'you might be a pirate'

Photo linked from Flickr user hodie's photostream.

[Microsoft] Enter: Vista

Today's the "big" launch of Windows Vista, the latest version of the Windows Operating System.

Of course the question on everyone's mind is if it's worth the time, effort and most of all money to switch to the new OS already. The Geeky Guide has been doing its part to research possibilities, and here's what we've come up with in terms of research data.

Dropping by CNET.com, there's a lot to be said about Windows Vista, of course. There have been some disappointments for XP users upgrading to Vista since the new license policy doesn't allow for a clean install - you need a certified version of Windows XP still installed on your PC. Furthermore, experts are saying Vista isn't worth solely the security aspect in terms of a purchasing decision. Vista for now performs similary to a well-patched Windows XP so security alone shouldn't force a decison. Heck, most users are going to end up with the home edition, won't even get all the security features that the Microsoft marketing folk keep ranting about.

I guess if you really want to experience Aero, then go right on ahead and upgrade. Otherwise, it's better to wait it out some more while the other software and hardware companies catch up in making their products fully compatible with the new OS.

PC World also had a lot of interesting things to say about Vista's release. They have both a list of 15 reasons to switch and why you shouldn't as well, and both sides present some pretty interesting arguments. Of course for those wanting to just know more about what it's all about, try checking out this extensive guide. Lastly, if you're just after the look-and-feel of the new OS, you might want to experiment with these Windows XP hacks to make your PC run like Vista.

On the other side of the fence are those that argue that this is also a good time to consider switching to a new OS since migrating to Vista will have a learning curve factored in as well. You can consider going Mac now or perhaps trying Ubuntu Linux as some bloggers argue. (Credit to Digg for that last reference.

Personally, I think it's too early to tell if it's worth the switch. For now I'm staying with XP unless I need to get a new computer. Only then will I consider going the Vista route, or perhaps I'll finally make that switch to Ubuntu, hehe.

Related Links:

• Engadget: Windows Vista in pictures
  
• CNNMoney.com: Microsoft launches Vista worldwide
  
• CNET.com: Windows Vista Complete Guide
  
• CNET News.com: Vista's actual launch? Think whisper, not bang
  
• ZDNet News: A frat party for Vista's debut
  
• Gizmodo: Vista Launch Party Schwag Bag: Add It Up

[Microsoft] Spot the Difference

Here's something which is more than making the rounds over at CNET.com:

Can you spot the fake Windows XP? Check out this short photo gallery and test your Windows-savvy...

Which copy of XP is fake?

You can also Digg this CNET article.