Windows 7 Leaked To Pirates By Microsoft? 236
nandemoari writes "The beta version of Windows 7 has been widely distributed through torrents and other file sharing systems. But now some commentators claim Microsoft deliberately allowed the package to get into the hands of pirates. 'I'm not being critical here, as some Microsoft Watch commenters will surely claim. It's rather smart marketing. Microsoft fills a big news void with something bloggers and journalists will write about. The suspense of stealth downloads from torrents and races to post the best screenshots first make the Windows 7 leak buzz all the more exciting. For other people, there is delight in seeing Microsoft squirm because Seven leaked early. Not that I see much squirming going on.'"
tag: hypocrisy? (Score:5, Informative)
Hmm... let's see ... pirated software, where even having it is proof that it's pirated, as it's not released yet. And yesterday's news on WGA convictions. [slashdot.org]
That's not hypocrisy -- that's a trojan horse.
then why (Score:5, Informative)
would microsoft send me a take down notice to remove windows 7 files uploaded onto our hosting servers by one of our customers last week?
Re:That's no leak (Score:3, Informative)
if you s/Darwin/Microsoft/, (or stop reading after the first half) this comment would be +5 insightful.
Summary: Theory: Microsoft intentionally leaked windows 7. Since it's not verifiable, it's garbage and should be ignored.
I can confirm (Score:0, Informative)
I'm admin for one of the P2P bittorent sharing web-site. I often get money to upload music or so called DVD screener from their respective copyright owners or agents. If it get 5k or more leechers they get free publicity and tons of people go and buy genuine work.
Re:If authenticode is cracked this time, there wil (Score:5, Informative)
I may be misunderstanding you, but Authenticode is a technology used to verify the publisher of binaries so that there is some assurance "lol32.exe" is worth running.
As such, Authenticode isn't an anti-piracy feature insamuch as its an anti-malware feature. As and end user, you'd not want want this to be busted.
You may be thinking of WGA and WPA, the former being the "Genuine Advantage" stuff that Windows Update and MS Download center look for, and the latter being Product Activation [that cares about keys and key activation, etc].
The latter two are most certainly anti-piracy features and confer no functional/usability advantages to the enduser who isn't concerned with the legality/legitimacy of their installation.
Re:If authenticode is cracked this time, there wil (Score:2, Informative)
I'll take you on... (Score:5, Informative)
Dat win dose's still crapin',
N' all the bloggers yappin',
Then watchin' pr0n n' fappin'.
Looks like Microsoft has grown a pair,
Taken on to torrents outa despair,
Thus the new OS' come to be,
The great Windows 7 conspiracy.
Some say 't looks similar to KDE,
N' other things based on BSD.
But I really dun give a shiz,
'Bout Aero, Aqua OR Compiz.
Just wanna have all my apps,
Run smooth as ass on x86.
peace
Common tactic (Score:5, Informative)
This appears to be a common tactic for television producers. Around pre-season times there is an inevitable leak of almost all new shows that would appeal to the demographic that would know how to download them. This is in fact quite smart because they probably realize:
1)If these people will download a pre-air, they're probably going to download the regular show too, so downloading now or later has the same effect
2)People are going to talk about the show and give feedback
3)Leak it early enough and you might have a chance to tweak some things
now a TV show and operating system are in different places all together..but the concept is the same..
Re:tag: hypocrisy? (Score:4, Informative)
They did this with Window 95 as well. If a 16 Bit application checked the version number for Windows 95, Windows returned the version number 3.95. This was because idiot programmers do idiotic things like hardcode version checks. I feel somewhat dirty now having defended Microsoft. Maybe I'll feel better if I call them Micro$oft once. ;-)
Re:tag: hypocrisy? (Score:5, Informative)
There's one thing you're not quite taking into consideration: patents. MS can't release anything in any form (including beta) and then file for a patent. They need to file for the patents first, and only once the paperwork hits the US PTO can they release a beta.
Another piece of advice: don't rely on random dudes on slashdot for legal advice, including me:
From http://www.bitlaw.com/patent/requirements.html [bitlaw.com]:
In order for an invention to be patentable, it must be new as defined in the patent law. This novelty requirement states that an invention cannot be patented if certain public disclosures of the invention have been made. The statute which explains when a public disclosure has been made (35 U.S.C. Section 102) is complicated and often requires a detailed analysis of the facts and the law. The most important rule, however, is that an invention will not normally be patentable if:
So as long as you file within a year of disclosure, you can still get a patent.
Downloaded, Installed, OVE IT (Score:1, Informative)
I happened across a copy, put it on my netbook, and am in absolute awe! I have never had _fun_ with a windows distribution until now. After the Vista fallout, Microsoft needed to hit one out of the park. They nailed it.
You have a year (Score:1, Informative)
You have a year after 'disclosure' which happens when you discuss it publicly in any form. Please don't talk about things you don't know about. Thanks!