Microsoft: We're in yur drive, hacking yur system

[Capper]

I have a bit of a rant I need to get off my chest. Here's a little Op/Ed on my opinion of Microsoft's Update Philosophy.


The guys and gals over in Redmond have been busy little beavers for the last few weeks. It has apparently been confirmed that Microsoft has been "stealth patching" some NT based computers without the knowledge or consent of the user (this includes computers with XP and Vista on them) even if the user asked to be notified of updates. Basically, Microsoft has been placing software components on user systems (yours likely included) remotely and secretly (ok - "not very transparently") - regardless of whether you want the update or not.

HardwareLogic - Microsoft: We're in yur drive, hacking yur system.

[Jokerswild]

I think that pretty well summed up what most feel about these updates and MS control of our computers. Unfortunately it won't change anything.

[Stormcrow]

I kinda thought it went without saying that Microsoft could remotely access and manipulate systems running Windows. Security only means nagging popups to protect you from yourself, I'd be shocked and awed if Microsoft didn't actually include any way for them to access or even take control of Windows based systems. The real problem lies with if a group of smart hackers or rebellious Redmond engineers use that way to attack systems completely under the radar and with no protection aside from a total system wipe. Wouldn't that be something, holding every Windows PC hostage? Not to mention those running Windows based servers...

[gvblake22]

Hmmmm, where DID I put that Ubuntu disk? I think it's about time to dig that back up...

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

Hmmmm, where DID I put that Ubuntu disk? I think it's about time to dig that back up...

Exactly what I was thinking... But too bad I enjoy playing games.

[Zambini]

isnt this the gonna turn into same thread as the one where windows updater updated itself?

[Quakindude]

Why yes young man, it surely will.

However, now that it's a front page story, we may see some additional traffic come in and comment on this.

I personally was rather pissed off by this whole stealth updating deal. I'm not so naive as to believe for one second that MS couldn't take over any computer running their OS anywhere in the world.

With so many watchdog groups and individuals that track anything MS puts out, I'm somewhat offended that MS would think for one second this wouldn't go unnoticed. And I would be willing to bet the conversation went something like:

"Yeah Bob, go ahead and push that updater update to all systems in the world. No one will notice and it will just go to prove to Cindy that I'm right. The world has become so complacent about what we do, no one will see it coming."

[Telexen]

Nice article.

It never hurts to give Linux an extended trial without Windows as fall back.