Microsoft - You like them or hate them?

[Chrono Detector]

Well, personally I don't like them. Yes, I admit I'm using their software, but in general, I hate their policies. And not to mention that their software isn't perfect as well, not to mention expensive.

For example, I have a legit copy of XP and I hate it how they integrated some crappy spyware script into their latest version of WGA. Really, its none of Microsucks business to know whats in our computers.

Oh, did I mention they are a greedy and money hungry bastards? Well, they are going to port Halo 2 for Windows, only on Vista only. Another hungry money scheme just to make gamers buy Vista so you can play Halo 2. Pathetic.

An article about Criticisms of Microsoft, check it out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Microsoft

Your comments about Microsoft?

[novastar]

I dont personally care for them, although I do use XP on my laptop, I dont care for their software, I see it as a nessicarry evil.
The WGA thing is pure crap. I activated, and validated my install of XP when I first installed it, and now, I have to validate it any time I want to install a security patch.
As for the money part, I understand that they are a business, and are doing this to make money, but they charge way too much in my oppinion.

And I guess I will never play halo 2 on the PC, vista is nothing but a bloated pile of crap that will never desecrate my computers.

[Chrono Detector]

I don't know has Microsoft has thought about people validating their software over the internet, such as XP and Office, once you have validated over the limit you cannot use that product key anymore, you'll need to replace it, or buy a new copy. I guess another scheme to cheat more money out of consumers.

If Microsoft keeps this up, they will lose support from their customers.

[Dissidia]

WGA peridoically checks the validity of your windows every 14 days! even if it was confirmed as legit when you first downloaded it. As many people have said, the software should really be cheaper too, especially as they sell far more copies now than they did years ago (thus can cover overheads easier).

Halo 2 being vista only is a joke, especially if it looks similar to the original xbox version. I mean, we're seeing 360 quality games on PC now (Prey, Oblivion etc etc) and they try to pass of a 2/3 year old game as a selling point of the OS.

Vista also media liscencing apps built in to prevent sharing of your video and mp3 files. Also, having to pay extra for the 3d desktop? sheesh. I think its a step backwards from XP :sad:

[Sanzora]

I agree Thunder, I use MS but their policies suck...

[Chrono Detector]

Oh by the way, when you installed that Windows Genuine Advantage crap, you can use a firewall to block it when you log into Windows, that way you can prevent Microshit from checking your computer at bootup. I suggest you guys should do that, Microshit has no right to check whats in our computers.

And I've noticed this WGA bullshit also adds extra time at bootup as well - which I'm not happy about.

[dragoneyes001]

there are a lot of reasons not to like MS but I must say I've enjoyed XP and will continue to with xp64 for the next comp let vista wait I'm in no hurry to get it.

and the wga's are a serious issue vs MS

[novastar]

thankfully microsoft released instructions on how to remove WGA,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914
and useing http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx you can download the security patches manually.

[airswifter]

I dont like it either...but we have to live with it....they are the largest software company in the world....we still have to depend on them...on some point..

[Vampyrelord]

Monstrously evil capitalists...I use Apple :). Also quite an evil capitalist corporation, but not quite so bad, and at least their software WORKS.

[SLVR]

In all honestly I think thier money hungry. But I like em. I have enough money to go out and buy thier products. Why would anyone want to play Halo2 on the PC anyway?

[Chrono Detector]

If you want to remove the WGA without modifying your registery, you can download this small nifty tool.

http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tools/RemoveWGA.exe

I used it and I removed it, and I was able to receive critical updates.

Yeah, I also read that Microsoft article on how to remove that stupid WGA crap, if WGA is so important to them, why publish an article on how to remove it anyway? And what was the point of releasing this WGA for anyway if you're going to show people how to remove it? Stupid Microsoft.

[Neve]

Everyone's so nasty about them. Bill Gates has just committed to donating 26 billion dollars to charity, and is going to donate nearly all of the rest of his scores of billions of dollars when he dies. Surely that alone is reason enough to buy their products?

[dragoneyes001]

If you want to remove the WGA without modifying your registery, you can download this small nifty tool.

http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tools/RemoveWGA.exe

I used it and I removed it, and I was able to receive critical updates.

Yeah, I also read that Microsoft article on how to remove that stupid WGA crap, if WGA is so important to them, why publish an article on how to remove it anyway? And what was the point of releasing this WGA for anyway if you're going to show people how to remove it? Stupid Microsoft.

because they couldn't predict the shear amount of backlash their wga is getting from the legit customers.

they put out a form of spy-ware that is forced on their customers and people are in no uncertain terms telling them to get the hell out of their privacy.

[Azalea]

Honestly speaking, almost all computer companies are money-hungry bastards since its their job. They find an advantage in updates and new releases coz thats natural thinking for companies. If they have mercy on those who doesnt like their style then clearly the company will just cease to exist.

And for those who doesnt like the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification thing just un-check it when you are choosing your updates:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Azalea_2006/exampleer.jpg

Or if its too late and you've already downloaded it then follow the links on the previous posts to remove it from your system :p

[obvious troll]

I don't like or dislike them. The only microsoft stuff I have is windows, which came with the comp, and office, that I downloaded for free. So I got nothing to complain about the prices. As for their policies, well, I don't really care. And if Bill Gates wants to spy on all the pr0n I downloaded, he can go ahead and do so, I don't mind.

[dragoneyes001]

Honestly speaking, almost all computer companies are money-hungry bastards since its their job. They find an advantage in updates and new releases coz thats natural thinking for companies. If they have mercy on those who doesnt like their style then clearly the company will just cease to exist.

And for those who doesnt like the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification thing just un-check it when you are choosing your updates:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Azalea_2006/exampleer.jpg

Or if its too late and you've already downloaded it then follow the links on the previous posts to remove it from your system :p


yup you can refuse to download it and it will hide most of the available updates untill you allow the wga to install.

removing it does nothing it means reinstalling it next time and during the scan for updates you will have the same results as if you never removed it so why bother.

oh by the way if you dont want to waste a ton of processing on your comp turn off auto updates theres no need to scan your comp and link to the web that often.

[Azalea]

oh by the way if you dont want to waste a ton of processing on your comp turn off auto updates theres no need to scan your comp and link to the web that often.

Yup! anyway the updates are not really important, mostly its just a bunch of Security Updates.

[Chrono Detector]

I don't like or dislike them. The only microsoft stuff I have is windows, which came with the comp, and office, that I downloaded for free. So I got nothing to complain about the prices. As for their policies, well, I don't really care. And if Bill Gates wants to spy on all the pr0n I downloaded, he can go ahead and do so, I don't mind.

I think its a bad idea if you don't care that Microsoft is collecting information from your computer, especially if your using a pirated copy of their products.

[sniperz]

as long u bought the genuine windows cd pack, ur PC is considered legal enough

[dragoneyes001]

lmao @ MS complained directly to them about the WGA Notifier which is suposed to tell me that my copy is legit.

this is their response (removed the reps name and email address)

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Windows Update Support. My name is -----------,
and I'm glad to work with you. You can contact me directly by sending email to
------------------------ with the case ID in the subject line.

From the problem description, I understand that it keeps prompting to install
Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474) although it was installed. I
fully understand the inconvenience you have experienced. If I have misunderstood
your concern, please don't hesitate to let me know. Please be
assured that I will do my best to help you.

I would like to explain that every year millions of consumers and businesses are
impacted by counterfeit software that is purchased unwittingly, and many makers
of legitimate software have difficulty competing with the low prices offered by
counterfeiters. Through WGA, Microsoft is working to help
customers and retailers of its products reduce the threats posed by counterfeit
software. With counterfeit software, users expose themselves to the possibility
of a system becoming infected by spyware or other malware. The chance of
receiving incomplete code also increases when consumers are sold c
ounterfeit software over the Internet. Microsoft has also seen instances of
credit card theft by those purporting to sell software online that later turned
out to be counterfeit.

Now KB905474 has been updated to version 1.5.540.0. I suggest that we'd better
install the latest version.

At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot:

Manually install KB905474
=========================

this is the response I recieved telling them I'm not interested in installing their notifier since I have 6 WGA instalations and if I'm useing a legit copy I don't need the update telling me so. also that their WGA's keep trying to connect to the internet although I've most definitly refused to allow MS to retrieve information from my computer their IDEA of a response is to tell me to install the notifier.

[Azalea]

Wow, well my windows is legit enough... although in my country almost all pc's are using pirated windows coz its hell of a lot expensive if you buy an original over here...

[SoundWave]

Neither hate nor like them... But I guess I like them more then I hate them.

[Yuki]

I like microsoft... Well, in fact if you don't use your computer properly windows is prone to hang and block... Usin' it properly, It has no problem and it's very useful :P

[Chouji]

I personally cant stand microsoft their secruity stuff sucks and personally i think it lets to many pop ups thru i downloaded somthing else.

[7D$]

MICROSOFT owns because i can only work with microsoft XD

[Chrono Detector]

I didn't even bother with the latest version of WGA. Waste of space, memory and boot up time. I decided to remove it from my PC, made it boot up even faster at startup. Guess I'll get the updates somewhere else, thats if Microsoft Windows Update hide the critical updates from the website. Screw this shitty WGA.

I wonder how much Vista is going to cost, and I wonder if it would succeed like XP did. Generally, I wasn't too impressed by Vista, what a huge pile of bloatware, even for an OS. What a joke.

[Cassie]

I dont care much about Microsoft. I'm not very good with computers, so Microsoft is easy and good for someone like me. If I was taught how to use Linux, or if Mac was cheaper, I might use those instead, but right now it's MS Windows for me. Cant exactly hate them, afterall it does make all of our lives easier.

[Osoheil]

As someone else said Microsoft donated and has donated alot of money to charities, alot more than certian apple execs. Although I think Bill was donating to his own charity, but it is still a charity.

I have a copy of XP sitting right here beside me, but I use 98 se instead. It works just fine if you ask me, and is a hundred times less troublesome since I have been using it for years and am very familiar with it. Every time I have used XP or I have to work with someone that has problems with it I just get headaches. Same with with Me or 2000.

I will upgrade at some point, I am just waiting for the advantages to outweigh the disadvantages.

Anyway I more or less like them. Windows in any form has always been easier for me to work with than Linux in any form (although I have only tried one form, heh). And I am glad they could bring a product that has helped the proliferation of the internet and PCs around the world. It may not be a fantastic product, but it works well enough that it is on ... 90% of the PCs around the globe? I think thats the right statisic. Sure they probably had it preloaded on those PCs when they where sold but, heh whatever.

As for their greediness, bad policies, whatever else.. they hardly effect me using my good ol 98 se. I am not trying to say what they are doing is right, it is by many moral standards way wrong. I just think that they can do whatever the hell they want with what they have created. If they do something I greatly disapprove of or piss me off, I will just switch to Apple or Linux. They aren't that bad either.

[Akiha]

cant say i lke them...but they get the job done...just in a way you hate...><

[blade000]

microsoft is a BUSINESS...jeez of course they're gonna try to make money any way possible...


You dont like microsoft? Stop usin it. there's always a choice. But if u do use it, then stop complaining. You have no right to complain because you should know what you're getting yourself into when you agree to the user agreement.

[Cloud_89]

Yea Windows < linux. I use windows becuse companys don't make software for linux but when ever I can get somthing to work on the linux thats were I go (suse linux).

To stop using windows is like saying I woun't shop at wal-mart when it is the only store in town.

Lets not forget if schools used open source software they would save thousands that means all of them not just the onces that meet Bills charity requirments. Proud to be a part of a school that has not seen a dime from Bills charity.

Here is a oxymoron for all you windows haters out there... Microsoft Works.

[Karakura Red]

windows is good ... maybe ppl jus dont like bill gates

[moppiz]

i dont really like microsoft but cant say that i hate them. there has been some good and bad coming out from them. Only thing i really like from the is Xbox

[Karakura Red]

Yeah xbox is good but Playstation kiks its ass.

[Chris`]

Microsoft I have to say I like, they give me no problems, yes their continuous updates are annoying, but hey, its like 1 min. out of my life, because of a restart...and i love my xbox, so that bumped them up a bit :D

[~black butterfly~]

microsoft is cool....there are some minor problems...but really minor...so in general, their sevices are okay

[Ichi-Zoro 3]

Microsoft is ok but i hate it when it my computer is infected by viruses its too slow!! I only like it because it has the xbox and has good games like pgr........

[Koanashi]

I personally use apple... I have some Microsoft software on it, but only because I need it for school currently. I personally find that all the PC really has going for it now that I would like to see in the apple is that it has more games, and I've got other consoles anyway.

[dragoneyes001]

microsoft is cool....there are some minor problems...but really minor...so in general, their sevices are okay

minor problems dont force a company to create two 75 MB service packs.

MS believes that release dates outweigh the quality of the product released.

when B Gates was announcing an official release the OS in question crashed to the blue screen of death during the presentation<<< this is an example of how they rush to get something new out so they can fleece more money earlier from us then they work out the bugs after.

[Reefern86]

hey since i think apples SUCK...i guess that leaves one option...damn Micro...

[Chrono Detector]

when B Gates was announcing an official release the OS in question crashed to the blue screen of death during the presentation<<< this is an example of how they rush to get something new out so they can fleece more money earlier from us then they work out the bugs after.

Yeah I saw that video and that was kinda funny. Though it makes me wonder, I wonder why the 9x kernel is unstable and buggy. Microsoft 95/98/ME has always been unstable even the final release.

Here is the link to the video:

http://www.snabbstart.com/film/bill-faar-problem-med-demostration-av-windows.aspx

And recently Microsoft has terminated support for Windows 98 and ME. Not that I cared, I ditched 98 back in 2002.

[dragoneyes001]

Yeah I saw that video and that was kinda funny. Though it makes me wonder, I wonder why the 9x kernel is unstable and buggy. Microsoft 95/98/ME has always been unstable even the final release.
Here is the link to the video:
http://www.snabbstart.com/film/bill-faar-problem-med-demostration-av-windows.aspx
And recently Microsoft has terminated support for Windows 98 and ME. Not that I cared, I ditched 98 back in 2002.

when Vista first ships it will have a percentage less bugs than the previous OS releases simply because they let a beta run for a while.

yet I still wouldn't be quick to jump on the Vista bandwagon even if I liked it to begin with. let it get debugged by those who won't stop to think that new releases by MS always need fixing.

[mayor mccheese]

I've always hated Microsoft. They are always looking to rip people off. Hide things in there software and generally be money grubbing bastards even for a corp. I won't go into detail cause I'd give the servers a meltdown.

[~*StÓÑy RèL0ÂÐeD™]

apples is way worse... so well, i guess micro should be the only one left... *sigh.... both pretty bad though...

[Nicole]

It can go either way for me... I like how Windows is easy to use and pretty much compatible with everything and anything on the 'net. I don't like how my computers keep messing up although when I scan for viruses and spyware I get no results back. Oh well...

But I heard from somewhere that Bill Gates wants to spend alot/give away his money before he dies or something so his kids will have to work for their cash.

[Nihsnek]

I just look at it this way: If it wasn't for Microsoft, the computer market wouldn't be nearly as huge as it is today. Plus, my friend is a developer there.

[hellrockz]

hate them?
nah~look here... if there wasnt a microsoft how was i able to do my hw???