Author Topic: Which operating system is the best? (Read 23453 times)

dew7 · « **Reply #640 on:** July 24, 2006, 07:41:04 PM »

Well support for XP Service Pack 1 is scheduled to end on October 10, 2006. It sure looks like Microsoft wants everyone to be using XP SP2 and to think by next year I am sure the big push by Microsoft will be for everyone to use Vista. With support for 98, 98SE and ME gone and available only on the website and no new critical updates for these operating systems it suddenly seems crucial for everyone to be on the latest operating system from Microsoft. I really wonder now if Linux and/or Apple will start to greatly increase their market share.

Raforever · « **Reply #641 on:** July 27, 2006, 07:47:38 AM »

It's also been noted microsoft has been dishing out windows "updates" that check if the windows is orginal. No real harm done (i think). The problem is having that strange thing in the status bar (and as a result another service running). Also seems to be unremovable.

Yonkey · « **Reply #642 on:** July 27, 2006, 12:40:13 PM »

You can disable that. But I agree it's annoying and always lags my computer on startup.

dew7 · « **Reply #643 on:** July 27, 2006, 06:36:52 PM »

There is quite a controversy going on about WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) which is used in Windows XP. Thank goodness, it is not a part of Windows 98 Second Edition. Apparently, I have read that the utility phones home (Microsoft) and delivers your ip (internet protocol) address and other information about your computer and what you have installed to Microsoft. I find this to be very annoying and it makes me wonder if Microsoft is shooting itself in the foot with all this make sure it is genuine Microsoft software.

Yonkey · « **Reply #644 on:** July 27, 2006, 11:51:36 PM »

They've had that built into Windows Update for at least a year or two though. I think it's more meant to help them stop piracy than invade people's privacy.

Besides, Microsoft isn't the only software that uses product activation (a.k.a. phoning home).

Raforever · « **Reply #645 on:** July 28, 2006, 07:12:51 AM »

Theres quite a big list that do (can't rememeber now though)

Yonkey · « **Reply #646 on:** July 28, 2006, 09:18:08 AM »

Yep. Not to mention, spyware.

Raforever · « **Reply #647 on:** July 28, 2006, 03:39:07 PM »

and.. ADware

dew7 · « **Reply #648 on:** July 28, 2006, 06:10:46 PM »

I find it interesting because I use Zone Alarm Pro. now on both 98SE and XP PRO.. It is much better to have the bi-directional firewall then the one way Microsoft firewall in XP. I notice the ZA is always telling me that Microsoft components in XP Pro. want to access the Internet. However, it is not this way that the Microsoft components always want to access the Internet with 98SE. In my opinion, Microsoft is glad to be able to retire the 9x source code but thankfully consumers can still use Microsoft support pages and access Windows Update until at least July 11, 2007 for all previous support. I read that Windows NT (New Technology) (the technology used in Windows XP) was originally called Windows (Not There) by early Microsoft engineers.

Yonkey · « **Reply #649 on:** July 28, 2006, 07:08:33 PM »

Quote from: dew7 on July 28, 2006, 06:10:46 PM

I notice the ZA is always telling me that Microsoft components in XP Pro. want to access the Internet. However, it is not this way that the Microsoft components always want to access the Internet with 98SE.

Actually, I did always wonder about the whole svchost.exe stuff... Could you ask an MS engineer for me about why there's so many of them and why they keep trying to access the internet?

Thanks!

dew7 · « **Reply #650 on:** July 28, 2006, 07:26:12 PM »

Sure, I would be glad to find out the answer for myself as well. It will take a few days for me to give you a reply.

dew7 · « **Reply #651 on:** August 02, 2006, 07:56:36 PM »

Well, I know that there are so many Microsoft components since the XP operating system is complex. So far, the only response to my query about the components wanting to phone home is to provide Microsoft with more information. The newsgroups seem to think it is a conspiracy and that it has to do with WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) issues and so I am still waiting for a clear and concise answer. When and if I get that answer remains to be seen.

Yonkey · « **Reply #652 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:32:47 PM »

The most logical reason for them wanting to contact Microsoft is as you said, WGA, to check for priacy. However, that only needs to be done once, so it doesn't make sense why they continue to run and why there are so many of them...

dew7 · « **Reply #653 on:** August 04, 2006, 12:42:52 AM »

Well, here is Microsoft's response:

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Online Customer Service.

I apologize for any delay in our response to your issue. Due to an increase in requests, our response time may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience.

I understand that you wish to know about the Windows Genuine Advantage. I realize your concern.

I would like to inform you that the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program is part of Microsoft’s on-going effort to protect its customers and partners from counterfeit software, and increase customer awareness of the value of genuine Windows. Windows Genuine Advantage is a program designed to highlight the value of genuine Windows software over counterfeit copies.

The WGA program creates an improved Windows experience for users who have a genuine copy of Windows. Windows Update is a benefit that is only available to customers who are using a genuine copy of Windows.

The WGA validation process does not require or collect any personally identifiable information. Customers who have a genuine copy of Windows and who choose not to complete the validation process can still obtain critical software updates by using Automatic Updates.

For more information about genuine Microsoft software, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

For information about Windows Validation, visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/WhyValidate.aspx

To review the Genuine Windows validation FAQ, visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx

It seems to me Microsoft kind of went around the issue and just wanted to tell what WGA does in a computer. Well, I have done as good a job as I can do on my end and if you find out on your end why the Windows components want to keep accessing the Internet then let me know. It seems to me that Microsoft wants to keep a constant eye on each and every computer that is connected to the Internet. Maybe, this is kind of like George Orwell's 1984 but perhaps I am taking it too far. What is your opinion, Neil and others if you want to add your voice.

Yonkey · « **Reply #654 on:** August 04, 2006, 08:39:52 AM »

It does seem like I said, a measure of preventing software piracy. Still, it doesn't explain why there are so many processes of them though.

Quote from: dew7 on August 04, 2006, 12:42:52 AM

The WGA validation process does not require or collect any personally identifiable information. Customers who have a genuine copy of Windows and who choose not to complete the validation process can still obtain critical software updates by using Automatic Updates.

I don't think that one's true, since it does say you must install the WGA hotfix before performing any Windows Update which is why I stopped performing WindowsUpdate on my family's PCs.

I don't think I tried skipping the WGA before though, so if anyone knows if you're allowed to skip it, let me know.

dew7 · « **Reply #655 on:** August 04, 2006, 11:04:11 AM »

Well, I have heard you can still get the automatic updates if you click the tab to have them installed automatically. Good Luck on maintaining a problem free computer this way because there have been stories in the newsgroups of this method messing up computers because everything installs automatically and you won't get utilities like the Windows Defender. This is one of the reasons I still use 98SE although I have XP Pro. too.

Yonkey · « **Reply #656 on:** August 05, 2006, 07:12:16 AM »

That's alright. The only hotfix that messed up my computer was the one that forced you to activate Flash content. First, I just googled how to uninstall that patch, but later I found the Adobe workaround and applied that to our intro and home flash.

dew7 · « **Reply #657 on:** August 06, 2006, 07:36:25 PM »

I thought this article might interest you about WGA, Neil.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14218345/

Yonkey · « **Reply #658 on:** August 07, 2006, 04:16:27 PM »

Interesting... Then maybe I should start running Windows Update again on my mom's computer.

dew7 · « **Reply #659 on:** August 07, 2006, 07:47:44 PM »

I think it would be okay. If you have a bi-directional firewall on the computer like ZA then you will be able to block Microsoft components from accessing the Internet if you are concerned. I have not done that but a few report doing it from the Microsoft newsgroup(s).