Sep 13 2007

Scariness: Windows Updates Sans Users’ Permission

Posted by DummyGeekGurl as Microsoft, Software Features, Windows

If there’s anything Windows users need to fear right now, it would be that Windows is actually updating itself without the user’s permission, and even if the user has opted not to have Windows updates.

In case it hasn’t sunk in, I’m telling you again, Windows, whether Vista or XP, is imposing updates onto your system without your permission.

If you don’t believe me, check the links within this article. It’s easy to spot anyhow.

Honestly, I really have nothing to worry about because I am on a Mac. While I do have a virtual machine, my virtual machine that runs XP has virtually never been used. Still another reason is that though I am planning to get a surplus laptop to put Windows in, because I have to finally admit that I need Windows, I am not going to be on it most of the time anyway, and the Mac is going to be my main workhorse.

BUT.

We have to admit that this news is ominous for all of us. I must say that my take on this is that this might be a desperate move of a somewhat dying company. True, in these parts, Windows still dominates the market. Whether licensed or unlicensed, Windows still rules, admittedly. Mac and Linux users still haven’t reached critical mass in these parts. But in America and Europe, there is a wave of migration from Windows, which was sparked by the Vista release. If you don’t believe me, see the stats. Also, tech websites have already shifted the focus from Microsoft to a steadily growing coverage of the other operating systems. But nonetheless, despite Microsoft’s current dominance, this really seems to be a desperate move. And this is absolutely ominous.

Ominous because your right to choose whether to update your system or not is bypassed. For me, it’s like a trojan attack, where you have no choice with the malware’s actions. You cannot say no, the system takes over. Anything that violates anyone’s right to choose is certainly, certainly not good.

That being said, hunt for the links in my article, so you can read the true story of how users found out that their systems were updated without their knowledge. Just totally creepy.

And to think I was starting to become a tech agnostic too. :p

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Comments (11)

11 Responses

jaren
14|Sep|2007

I know what you mean, as a Windows XP and Vista user.. those updates really are scary…

I mean it’s downloading updates I don’t even know about. and sometimes downloads hidden updates.

that’s why I turn off my auto update so it let’s me choose which updates to install.
not only on Windows but for every app installed that has an update… except for my anti virus, I keep my updates for virus definitions on all the time.
Lorie
14|Sep|2007

um, jaren, i hate to inform you. if you look at the links within this post, especially the last one i embedded, it would take you to articles of people finding out that their systems are AUTOMATICALLY UPDATING EVEN WITH THE UPDATE OPTION _TURNED OFF_. Which is A LOT chilling.

i was thinking that if i were to get another box, i’m dual-booting on Linux/Windows. i’ll go online on linux, then test the software i need to try out on windows, offline but then that would be stupid because then i’d be making my life a lot more complicated by booting up on linux, downloading, restarting, booting up on windows, trying out the software, blahblah, it’s a crazy idiotic process that i might get stuck in because of my paranoia. so as it is, i guess if i do get that box, i’ll just keep it on windows.

i guess i’m happy that my main OS will be OS X. but still. i cannot fathom what on earth M$’s motives are.
jaren
14|Sep|2007

Lorie… yes thank you for pointing it out… now that you’ve mentioned it.. (and this time it sunked in my brain).. now I’m going on panic mode.. (just kidding)

I’ve been using Windows since it was a mere DOS App and i’ve learned to live with all the cloak and dagger MS does.

Where’s the EULA… gone down the drain…
A counter measure to piracy (maybe) but still it is indeed scary.
Lorie
14|Sep|2007

yeah. i mean, i’m a borderline windows user too. i can get around and i can tweak the system to the level i need and i acknowledge my need of it, but sheesh this is really scary. i don’t know what the implication for this is.

as for me, i’ll stick to being a *Nix gurl. maybe it’s time for YOU to migrate to Ubuntu Linux or OS X too. haha! kidding!
jaren
14|Sep|2007

oh yeah… finally successfully dual-booted vista and ubuntu…

I love Ubuntu still getting used to it…
I still need to boot back to vista for some of my apps.

but sometime next month I’ll buy a lappy that’s dedicated to Ubuntu Linux…

then maybe that’s the time i’ll say goodbye to MS.. how long has it been? 17 years as an Windows user… hrrmm…
Lorie
14|Sep|2007

Ooo!

Have you tried Edubuntu? if you like anime, you’ll like the background. as my japanized cuzin would say, “Kawaii!!” haha!

waiiiit… are you getting a System76 baby?! tell me you’re getting a system76! coz I wanna seeeee!
jaren
14|Sep|2007

OK edubuntu…
check…
will try it…
store in memory… done…

hrrmmm system76…let me see…i let you know if i plan to get one…:)
Lorie
14|Sep|2007

Yay!

but I’m afraid they cancelled the pretty and malandutay White Darter.. but anyway, the fact that it’s exclusively Ubuntu makes it cool in my book. I just don’t know whether the hardware lives up to its fame though. but i heard there were minimal complaints.
jaren
16|Sep|2007

well actually for every box, OS and system there are usually complaints.. heck we can’t please every one…
Mr Butterscotch
17|Sep|2007

Sinister indeed, yet the millions of computers out there with Windows installed will be getting it. Hey, what can you do eh?
Even with Gates Leaving, Microsoft is still the prime target | IT Security Blog
04|Jul|2008

[...] is done by their AutoUpdate system that automatically does all the work for you…. well, even without you for some updates are unstoppable if you have your system on automatic mode). Any unsuspecting user [...]

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