l33tn00b wrote:why does microsoft give us the option of validation when we download stuff, instead of requiring it or just not having it there?
i know its an unpopular viewpoint, but i think validaiton should be required for all downloads from microsoft.com . people who are honest and do not pirate should be rewarded.
It's unpopular for a reason. I own legal copies of all my MS software. Copies I paid for myself. Having to waste the time with "Activation" to run the programs and "Validation" for downloading updates is offensive at best. For example, I just repaved a Dell machine I own. Locating the little sticker on the back of the machine to find the CD key to install the OEM software was a PITA (the machine is kept in a compartment for which it just fits and removing it from the compartment to read the key requires the removal of cables and several minutes of "work"). But the "fun" didn't stop there. I got everything installed and the computer placed back into it's place, then went to download the Anti-spyware beta, when MS decided to "validate" my software. This validation required me to physically type in the CD key again! Well, at that point I was to irritated to be bothered with spending the 10 minutes required to drag the system back out again just to read the little sticker.
Telling me I should have copied the key down someplace more convenient, or any other number of responses along those lines, is missing the point. I *PAID* for the software, I should *NOT* be penalized by the inconvenience of having to deal with CD keys, activation or any of the other anti-pirating idiocy that doesn't slow the criminals down in any event. In fact, in the past I've installed pirated versions (while still holding a valid license purchased with my own money) just to be able to bypass this lunacy.
MICROSOFT, YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS AND STOP TAKING THESE DRACONIAN ACTIONS THAT ONLY PENALIZE THE LEGITIMATE USERS.
The worst part is, the rest of the industry is taking MS's lead on this one. Despite the issues with UI failings, the OpenSource alternatives do look better the more MS implements things like this.
