I have heard a lot of bad press about this update and am unsure about what to do.
2006-07-22 00:49:51 · 17 answers · asked by sadmad 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
If you want future Windows Security Updates, then you want it.
After this is installed, REBOOT and use the Windows Update feature to get more updates.
Good luck
2006-07-22 00:54:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
there are alot of stories going around about what this update will do if you install it
all it will do is stop you from downloading certain software from the microsoft download pages,such as internet explorer 7 beta,media player 11,and windows defender
as for security patches,you will still get some updates,you may miss out on a few,but if your security is up to date,i.e anti virus,spyware,and you have a decent firewall you shouldnt have a problem
these problems will only occur if your copy of windows is not genuine,if it is genuine go ahead and install it ,you wont notice any difference
2006-07-22 05:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by brianthesnail123 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not do it. It doesn't sound legitimate. If you want or need an update, then you should be the one to go to the legitimate, licensed website and have the update choices checked. That way you know it checks for any more current information for your particular machine/softwares, and you have the choice or choices of what you want to update. Never go with someone popping a message up like that, you never know if it's properly licensed or if it's going to take your whole system down. Any questions you have, you can find the proper support contacts on the proper web site itself.
2006-07-22 00:56:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's put it this way. Micro$oft said it would simply validate your copy of Windows. But users filed a class action suit against Micro$oft contending it was spyware. Micro$oft now has a KB article on how to disable the WGA. The WGA was not only checking to see if your copy of Windows was valid, but it was collecting info about you and your computer habits (according to the law suit) and sending the info back to Micro$oft.
I can't speak for anyone else, but that sure sounds like spyware to me. I mean, how many times does Micro$oft need to validate my computer and why do they need to know what I'm doing?
And here's another thought. How come government computers running Windows are exempt from the validation checks? Could it be that the government has enlisted Micro$oft to spy on people in the name of homeland security?
There's an old saying..... you're not paranoid if people really are watching you!
2006-07-22 01:53:18 · answer #4 · answered by Angry C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This checks to see if your version of xp is valid or not if it is you will be able to get the updates for xp from now on if it doesn't show as a valid copy or you don't allow it your version of xp will not be updated again and all the new security flaws will not be patched.
I downloaded this months ago and had no problems with it
2006-07-22 00:53:30 · answer #5 · answered by madamspud169 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it! If you have a supposedly pirate copy installed it will nag you to death about it! You don't need it! If you want updates there is a site you can use through Firefox that allows you to, don't make the mistake so many others have. You may have bought the machine through a PC maker who used one copy to load onto many machines, it's not your fault but you get nagged for it! Good luck!
2006-07-22 00:59:20 · answer #6 · answered by Rowdy answers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is safe for a legal user of XP, and facilitates future downloads. Purists hate Microsoft's control. They prefer open source operating systems. I can appreciate that too. Since XP, Microsoft does have some rights over your computer, and hence control, that they didn't have with Win98. Just keep in mind that nothing you do in cyberspace is private.
2006-07-22 01:13:55 · answer #7 · answered by pshdsa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES. It is Microsoft's check on your Windows if it is pirated or not. IT is good, I payed for it and it's gone.
Microsoft NEVER does such thing as spying your PC. That's why Linux is dumb. So whether you need to download and buy it to get updates or ignore it to sacrifice your pc's health...
2006-07-22 01:05:09 · answer #8 · answered by Sp()oNg3Y::V.3.[] 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a pirated/cracked version of windows, then don't download it because it will disable automatic updates and make you buy the real version.
2006-07-22 00:53:43 · answer #9 · answered by j2of7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it checks your system to see if you are running a valid version of Windows so you can get updates when they are available.
2006-07-22 03:57:23 · answer #10 · answered by Sandy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋