Boycot XP due to security?
Did you know that Microsoft is planning some anti-piracy scheme for XP?
As I understand it, when you install this OS you must register it or it ceases to function in a few weeks. When you register, Microsoft creates some Security Key based on your system configuration.
If you try to install on another system, you must again register at which time Microsoft knows you are installing on a new system. Perhaps you could beat this scheme by having an exact clone of your original machine. Perhaps not. I do not think that copying an image of your hard drive to the new system would work, but who knows?
The nasty problem comes when you decide to install a bigger or a second hard drive. Or perhaps you decide to replace your Graphics Display Adapter. You will need permission from Microsoft because the change in your hardware will look to the OS like it is on a different system.
I happen to have two systems and two legitimate copies of Windows 98 SE, but this is due to special circumstances. Normally, I would use the same OS on both systems. I have a friend with 3 systems: His and one for each of his children. What a pain if he had to buy two extra copies of the OS, or have his kids with a different OS than his.
I wonder if a boycott would have any effect? I wonder if enough consumer resistance would make Microsoft change its mind about this scheme?
After all, they want to sell as many copies as possible. Most business users would pay for multiple copies if if there was no such anti-piracy scheme. It is the home users who do not pay for multiple licenses.
Personally, I will stick to Windows 98 as long as possible to avoid dealing with a different OS on two systems or the expense of paying for the extra copy of XP.
At least for a while, they will sell zero copies to me instead of two copies. I think they would rather have one sale than none. If enough people have my attitude, they might relent. Who knows?
