Who's Afraid of a Monster?
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Microsoft has released an update to Windows Vista to combat the workaround to the operating system's product activation technology, dubbed the "Frankenbuild" monster. |
"Frankenbuild" uses files from various test and final versions of the Vista software to bypass Vista's product activation technology.
Microsoft officials are also being realistic about the fact that while several attempts have already been made to bypass the Vista product activation features, there are more to come.
A post on the Windows Genuine Advantage blog notes that the Frankenbuild workaround is far from the only one; the company has, in fact, seen a number of attempts to bypass the Vista product activation over the past few weeks.
One of those is a workaround that involves the use of some virtualization technology and Key Management Services -- practices used for activating larger business customers -- the blog post says.
While Vista has only been released to businesses with a volume license -- the software is set to be released to consumers on Jan. 30 -- the code is doing the rounds on the Internet, where hackers are trying to bypass its built-in security and product activation technologies.
The Vista update released this week will use the new Windows Update client found in Vista to make the Frankenbuild systems go through a genuine validation check.
The update will only affect systems that are running a specific binary-tampered version of Windows Vista, Microsoft said in a statement.
When detected, these unauthorized copies will be given a 30-day grace period to activate with a good product key, after which they will be placed into a reduced functionality mode, where features like the new Aero user interface and ReadyBoost are no longer available to them, and their use of the operating system is limited to 1 hour with their default Web browser.
However, users of these tampered systems will still have access to all their data by booting their PCs into Safe Mode, which has limited driver, display and networking support, but allows users access to their files.
Microsoft is also warning that "pirating Windows Vista will have real consequences and will, in turn, encourage people to check before they buy."
The Redmond, Wash., software maker also warns that if further illegal workarounds or other counterfeit Windows Vista code is posted to the Internet or becomes available through other means, "Microsoft may take additional steps to stop the spread and use of counterfeit versions of Windows Vista by releasing updates to the software, and then distributing the updates using various mechanisms, which may include Microsoft.com and/or Windows Update."
For anyone who's interested, Microsoft has also released images of what genuine Windows Vista packaging looks like, as well as that of a counterfeit copy the company recently obtained in Brazil.
Comments (9)
Why bother with Vista,I would rather pay AUD$199.oo for Mac OS X than use Microsoft rubbish any more
Posted by Grant | December 19, 2006 12:08 AM
I just dont think using a computer from a manufacturer that has only 5 or so percent of the world computer market and an OS that is not supported by everyone is worth the excessive price charged by Apple for their rubbish.
Posted by Ben | December 19, 2006 1:28 PM
Microsoft has lost touch with their user community. When you put things into perspective, Windows is an operating system. When you add the bloat of an efficient Media Player with a sluggish database, toss in a few worthless games, a completely self-serving bloated registry, but a pretty good internet explorer, it is still an operating system. Vista is huge. For example, the Vista Ultimate or Vista Home Premium, adds the feature of Media Center. If the Media Center is used as it is intended 24/7, then why do I need all the extra GBs of bloat.
Linux still requires a level of expertice that most novices, like myself still have a little difficulty. There aren't that many options available when it comes to software.
... if Microsoft continues this rediculous barage of verifing, reverifying, and constantly putting the legitamate user community on trial, then I must continue to learn Linux.
What is a critical update? Is Internet Explorer 7.0 a critical update? Is the Genuine Advantage tool a critical update? To whom?
Why must each Windows operating system be so uniquely different that a sound card driver doesn't work? I am not referring to the older OSs. I am referring to XP to Vista. From my reading many sound cards are compatible with Vista.
Microsoft has such a hold on the market that someone can make a statement that when Macintosh has only 5% of the market..... Well, that is true, but it is a shame that that can be the only criteria for going Microsoft.
Go Microsoft because they have 90-95% of the market. Great slogan.
signed. Once a loyal Microsoft drone.
Posted by Microsoft Drone | December 19, 2006 9:22 PM
I agree with Grant and Ben, but I only have experience with Windows. Linux and Mac OS X are, to say the least, not for the feint of heart. I don't mean to offend those users...if it works for them, great. But on the other hand...
Why change from something that has been, so far, working? If it ain't broke, why fix it? Who says new is better...it just costs more. I know those multi-millionaires have worked hard to come up with a new way to take our money, but if something works, why upgrade? I know that there are those who have to have the latest innovations...let them. They have nothing better to do with their time, these rich self-serving no-accounts! (ENVY!) I have tried Vista and have removed it from my PC because of the driver problem, the network connection (or lack of) and the memory issue; makes one wonder if Microsoft and the memory chip companies aren't in cahoots. Leave it alone; let the rich and idle have their fun. I know Microsoft may eventually force me to upgrade, but let me have my OS meanwhile. Geez.
Posted by Mike | December 22, 2006 1:17 AM
We may not need to worry about either Windows or Mac software in the future. If what I hear is true about China having some version of linux as their official OS, when you get a billion people running it some time in the future, the OS may well be cheap and so polished that people will never worry about MS or Apple OS's pricing again. I'd not be suprised if there's a time coming in the next 10-15 years when MS & Apple stock will be worthless.
Posted by Rog | December 22, 2006 9:25 PM
The last time I used Windows was version 1.0 and even then it was very clear that Microsoft products were poorly coded. Linux has been my choice of OS and I see no reason to ever use Micosoft products.
Posted by Harold | December 24, 2006 7:29 PM
Mike wrote, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" Read your EULA, Mike - you can only use the copy of XP on the same hardware on which you first "activated".
Microsoft insists you buy a new OS at full price when your old hardware breaks. And no XP for you - you'll buy Vista and you'll LIKE it, or else.
You can salute and pay Microsoft their tax while they treat you with gleeful contempt, or you can embrace freedom. You choose.
Posted by George | February 2, 2007 11:38 PM
Linux still requires a level of expertice that most novices, Windows is easy.
Posted by Nieruchomości Szczecin | September 24, 2007 7:27 AM
'The last time I used Windows was version 1.0' I find this statement very interesting, especially when followed with 'Linux has been my choice of OS'
Linux was not even thought of when the early versions of Windows were released. While I will be the first to agree that 'Bob' and 3.0 were not what people needed or wanted to use the alternatives at the time were not much better (UNIX, Apple, OS/2).
Sun UNIX started the GUI (sorry Mac users - your system is only a cheap copy too), Linux used much of the code of UNIX and in fact still shares many of its original commands. Strangly one of the first virus's written attacked UNIX and even today linux still has no defence against this same attack, yes it is not a serious threat, just an annoyance.
I do not agree with the way Microsoft is treating their customers, they have been getting slowly worse as their customer base has increased over the years. At the same time I must comment that all companies are starting to do the same thing.
Mac OS while it does work well on a computer made from carefully chosen components is really only a niche operating system where the users believe by paying a premium for the hardware they must first buy and then paying for what is little more than service packs that their system is one that can never break.
Linux in both its free and paid forms is a good system, but while it is developed by multiple groups all wanting to do things their own way it can't come close to the ease of use either Mac OS or Windows offers.
The only real system of choice for serious users, businesses, gamers, etc., is the one with the best hardware and software support. Unfortunatly at the moment only one company has both, that company is now doing little but trying to get a few extra dollars on top of their already large profits at the expense of their customers.
Microsoft needs to start treating ALL their customers with respect and began listening to what they really want instead of simply adding more and more unwanted features to their products. They should spend more time finding the flaws in their code and fixing them instead of simply releasing a new version of Windows each time they think they need more money.
Posted by Terry | January 17, 2008 9:43 AM