I.T. – Important News 2 Share Wif U

The below article was published in Malaysian press yesterday. In case u hd encountered the same, there is no better solution than the one n only. Read on –

http://digital.asiaone.com/print/Digital/Digital.html

Curtains for pirated Windows

Those using illegal copies could find their screens going black and icons vanishing. -NST
STEVEN PATRICK

Wed, Aug 27, 2008
The New Straits Times

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: From today, those with pirated copies of the Windows XP Professional operating system in their computers that are Internet-capable could find their screens going black and the icons vanishing as Microsoft Corp gets tough.

There are 8.6 million users of Windows XP Pro in Malaysia and about three million are expected to suffer the "blackouts", according to Microsoft Malaysia.

To continue working, users will need to reset the machine’s desktop background. All will return to normal, but only for 60 minutes before another blackout occurs.

The only "cure" is to get a licensed copy of the operating system from a Microsoft reseller or going online at www.microsoft. com/malaysia/genuine. Each licence costs RM580.

The initiative is part of Microsoft’s anti-piracy campaign, dubbed Windows Genuine Advantage, aimed at educating users on the benefits of using genuine software, Microsoft Malaysia client business group director K.T. Ng told The Star yesterday.

Author: Yew Kwong

Interests: Social, Leisure, Travel & Exploration.

15 thoughts on “I.T. – Important News 2 Share Wif U”

  1. Hello my current copy on my new ASUS M50 sa is on Windows Vista.Thanks for protecting me and sharing yout thoughts anyway…appreciated.

    Anybody has any Blu – Ray DVDs to lend to me?

  3. Hi YK,

    How is Bill Gates n company knows the PC does not hv
    original XP or Vista? Tru updating on the MS website?

    How come only 3m out of 8.6m will be affected by the
    “blackout”? How do the other 5.6m get away with it?
    Any tip on this would be useful.

    james

  4. James

    U got some gd Qs. MS is now taking action on “Windows XP professional”. Tat means Windows XP home edition, Vista n its different versions are not affected.

    Some known counter measures are –

    1) Wen u hook up 2 internet, MS will use WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) Notification tool 2 verify the authenticity of ur copy of Windows. In order 2 bypass tis u can use “another software” 2 remove tis Notification n thus it will not chk.

    2) Many a times, there are users who use volume licence CD keys 2 install their Windows. These usually come together wif branded PCs. How do u tell ur Windows CD keys are the same as those printed on the COA stickers on ur casing panels? U can use a program called CD Key viewer 2 check.

    3) Some other ways tat involve technical steps.

  5. James
    Microsoft is prob using their WGA
    As Yew Kwong mentioned, some hackers had developed a fix to remove the offending WGA. (they didnt like the invasion of privacy, etc) If you u remove WGA, you need to disable yr auto update 2 prevent it being re-installed.

  7. YK, Andrew,

    TQ both for the great tip.

    I think a PC discussion/troubleshooting forum would be a
    great help for many members since all of us who surf the
    SHC website use computers.

    BTW, I just bought a genuine MS Vista Premium. Any comment or
    tip b4 I install this weekend?

    james

  9. James
    Yew Kwong is right. Vista is resource hungry. If you dont have good CPU & enough RAM, you will find it very slow.

    By the way, do a search on XP Black for more info & solutions to the problem that Yew Kwong is highligting.

  10. Hi guys

    Perhaps its high time 2 start a weekly or fortnightly column or even on a regular basis 2 discuss computer issues which we can share wif fellow members.

    We can hv it like : Members post questions. Any member who knows can answer, provide or suggest solutions.

    Tis way, our members can learn from each other n the less savvy ones can increase their knowledge.

  11. Yew Kwong,and everybody,

    Got to say this idea to have a Q&A for PC and IT issues is fantastic. I like to ask the first Q. Sure, anyone can respond too.

    To access the internet, we need a desktop computer or a notebook. Can one get a new computer or notebook for less than $700 in Singapore? Any chance of a bulk buy as a group?

    Terence Seah

  12. Hi terence,

    During the last 2 computer exhibitions, believe I saw at least
    2 models of Asus Eee PC (Easy to use, Easy to learn, Easy to
    work), selling below $700. They are made for internet access
    , has webcam, and has basic Office applications. However, main storage uses RAM instead of hard disk and has limited capacity.
    It also does not run on MS Windows but on Linux.

    The lowest cost model even cost less than $500.

    I’ve search the net for a while but can’t find the supplier.

    Will update again if I came across.

    james

  14. Terrence,
    What James is referring to are the 7″ handhelds. yes, these sell for under $1000. Think the larger laptops are around the $1000 price.

    You can get desktops for the $700 & less. No screen, though. But second hand monitors (the old CRTs can be got for less than $50. Prob less if you approach charities (many Sporean give them old computers. The monitors are usually in better condition than the computers. Most sell their excess to garang kuni men who but @ $10-$20 so if you offer them more, it’s win-win for everyone.)

  15. Terrence,
    cant edit the earlier comment. the price on the 7″ should be less than yr $700 target as James has indicated.

    James,
    The manufacturer is Asus. They started as motherboard manufacturers & was doing OEM. decided to go into business for themselves.

    Many of the shops in Sim Lim or Funan carry the Asus handhelds if you’re looking for it.

Leave a Reply