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[IP] Interesting interaction with Windows OneCare Live





Begin forwarded message:

From: David Pollak <dpp@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: June 22, 2006 6:38:55 PM EDT
To: Dave Farber <dave@xxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Annette Hurst <annette@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Interesting interaction with Windows OneCare Live

For IP if you think it's appropriate:

I installed Windows Live OneCare antivirus on my Windows machine. OneCare marks a system marks a system as "vulnerable" if you do not have automatic updates turned on.

I like to review updates before they are installed. The only update that I have not installed is the latest WGA because of the security issues related to it.

I called Microsoft support to see if there is a hidden option to say, "yep, I've got updates turned to manual... it's okay." The rep said, "No and why wouldn't you want to get the latest updates to Windows."

I responded with the issues relating to WGA. He spent some time telling me that WGA was a good thing, etc. I reiterated that I have accepted all the updates except WGA and just want to review the updates before they're installed on my machine.

He told me that "in the fall, having the latest WGA will become mandatory and if its not installed, Windows will give a 30 day warning and when the 30 days is up and WGA isn't installed, Windows will stop working, so you might as well install WGA now."

I'm wondering if Microsoft has the right to disable Windows functionality or the OS as a whole (tantamount to revoking my legitimate Windows license) if I do not install every piece of software that they send it updates.

Needless to say, I've removed Live OneCare.




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