Win 10:Watch out if you have 'unauthorized' SW or HW

[bradly1101]

http://www.maximumpc.com/windows-10-may-punt-you-from-playing-pirated-games/

Have you read through the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Windows 10? If not, you might be in for a surprise if Microsoft decides to follow through terms outlined in Section 7b, which warns that Windows 10 can automatically check for and block access to illegal software, including counterfeit games, and unauthorized hardware.

Have a look:
Sometimes you’ll need software updates to keep using the Services. We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services. Such updates are subject to these Terms unless other terms accompany the updates, in which case, those other terms apply. Microsoft isn’t obligated to make any updates available and we don’t guarantee that we will support the version of the system for which you licensed the software.

These terms don't just apply to Windows 10, they also cover other Microsoft services and software, such as Skype, Office 365, Xbox Live, and several more.

As pointed out by Alphr, which first noticed the above section in the updated EULA, the wording is not entirely clear. Obviously Microsoft is taking a stand against software piracy, and specifically games (it's not known how Windows 10 might handle cracked versions of programs like Photoshop), but the bit about "unauthorized hardware peripheral devices" is wide open. It could refer to modified or third-party Xbox One controllers, as well several other possibilities.

What happens if Windows 10 detects a peripheral it doesn't want you using? That's not clear, either. Maybe a warning sign pops up, or perhaps it can be blocked like illegal software.
There are a lot of "what ifs" here, and if/when we receive clarification from Microsoft, we'll provide an update.

 

[SparkyJJO]

So they're suggesting if I have a game that I bought, but applied a no CD crack to for my convenience, Windows will somehow disable access to my software?

 

[TheGardener]

Advertisement for staying with Windows 7.

 

[Ketchup]

Part of it just sounds like they can't guarantee to have updates for every piece of hardware you may or might add to a PC.

The other part is talking about Services (not software in its entirety). The subheadings under this section include Skype, Microsoft accounts, and others, described here:

b. Additional Equipment/Data Plans. To use many of the Services, you’ll need an internet connection and/or data/cellular plan. You might also need additional equipment, like a headset, camera or microphone. You are responsible for providing all connections, plans, and/or equipment needed to use the Services and for paying the fees charged by the provider(s) of your connections, plans, and equipment. Those fees are in addition to any fees you pay us for the Services and we will not reimburse you for such fees. Check with your provider(s) to determine if there are any such fees that may apply to you.
c. Service Notifications. When there’s something important to tell you about a Service you use, we’ll send you Service notifications to the email associated with your Microsoft account or, for Skype notifications, your Skype account. If you authorized use of your phone number for your Microsoft account or Skype account, then we may send Service notifications to you via SMS (text message). Data or messaging rates may apply when receiving notifications via SMS.

I don't think it means at all what MaximumPC is trying to say in means.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I'm glad that they're taking inventory myself as I have all legitimate software on my system plus I like being updated without having to go and search for it myself. Just today MS was nice enough to shower me with office updates for my 2010 and 2013 products so I cannot complain.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I remember building a parallel-port Playstation controller interface, and using third-party drivers to use it with DirectX apps like emulators. If I were running Win10 back then, I guess it wouldn't let me do that.

When are people going to STOP accepting these "digital handcuffs", and fight back?

 

[mmntech]

When are people going to STOP accepting these "digital handcuffs", and fight back?

But smartphones!! You use them!

There are people fighting back but it's a David vs Goliath situation.

 

[Puffnstuff]

When you can implement your own OS then you can do as you wish with it but until then you are subject the EULA.

 

[DigDog]

how would the os know? or does W10 know every software ever? i have half a dozen unsigned software alone for minecraft, more for quake, etc. none of which are "published".

this doesnt sound right to me.

 

[Ketchup]

how would the os know? or does W10 know every software ever? i have half a dozen unsigned software alone for minecraft, more for quake, etc. none of which are "published".

this doesnt sound right to me.

As I said, pay attention to the word Services, and what it includes in the EULA. The clip they chose to show does not apply to all software.

 

[lxskllr]

When you can implement your own OS then you can do as you wish with it but until then you are subject the EULA.

 

[bbhaag]

Maybe the big game publishers will go to Microsoft and say "Look the pirate group RELOADED just released a crack for our game. This is how it works can you scan your customers PC's and see if it's there. Then disable it"

Who knows. Win10 is a whole new ball game and lets face it. Microsoft has been less then forth coming when it comes to details.

 

[DustinBrowder]

What is worrisome is how will they check it? The wording implies that they spy on all your data and are able to determine what games and/or programs you are running and what the specifics of those programs are?

I mean does this mean they also read files, do they know your bank accounts, do they know your medical history, do they know your porn collection, do they know your scientific thesis?

How are they reading through and analyzing stuff to determine what programs you have installed and what their content is?

Clearly this proves 100% that windows 10 is a spyware/trojan horse designed to spy on you all the time, 24/7, give all your data to the NSA and of course sell it to the highest bidder for money! They are also clearly reading your documents, bank accounts, thesis, research, education material, medical data, health data, porn data, etc....

 

[mmntech]

When you can implement your own OS then you can do as you wish with it but until then you are subject the EULA.

A buddy of mine made a privacy centered distro. Sells USB keys with it preloaded and offers support. Sold quite a few after the NSA story broke. Don't use it myself because I can't be bother routing all my web traffic through TOR.

I use Mint myself. Linux has matured to the point where it handles everyday computing tasks quite happily. It's nowhere near as clunky as it used to be. Where it lacks though is gaming and professional software. Gaming is improving but stuff like Photoshop and Premiere will continue to require Windows or OS X.

 

[SparkyJJO]

What is worrisome is how will they check it? The wording implies that they spy on all your data and are able to determine what games and/or programs you are running and what the specifics of those programs are?

I mean does this mean they also read files, do they know your bank accounts, do they know your medical history, do they know your porn collection, do they know your scientific thesis?

How are they reading through and analyzing stuff to determine what programs you have installed and what their content is?

Clearly this proves 100% that windows 10 is a spyware/trojan horse designed to spy on you all the time, 24/7, give all your data to the NSA and of course sell it to the highest bidder for money! They are also clearly reading your documents, bank accounts, thesis, research, education material, medical data, health data, porn data, etc....

I'm convinced that you signed up on this forum simply to scream "SPYWARE" as much as you possibly can. Would you PLEASE stop with the extremes, such as what I bolded. There is zero evidence or proof of anything near that level going on

 

[escrow4]

Maybe the big game publishers will go to Microsoft and say "Look the pirate group RELOADED just released a crack for our game. This is how it works can you scan your customers PC's and see if it's there. Then disable it"

Who knows. Win10 is a whole new ball game and lets face it. Microsoft has been less then forth coming when it comes to details.

Said crack can then be re-jigged to dodge those system calls. You can't win. :whiste:

 

[JeffMD]

I think you are just reading what you want to read. this isn't going to do anything. -_-

 

[TheELF]

Dudes,it's called windows defender,
cracks for software and games usually make a lot of antivirus programms crazy so they get blocked,it's not like it didn't happen to all of you one time or another.
Any exe or even an autorun not running because of virus/malware protection.

(1)Sometimes you’ll need software updates to keep using the Services.
We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes,
(2)including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games,

=
(1)we are updating windows defender so you can keep using it
(2)well, some new definition might break your game crack

 

[WelshBloke]

Who gets to decide if my hardware is "authorised" or not?

 

[Ketchup]

I suggest some of you need to read more. Try reading the Personal Data We Collect section here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspx

For example, some folks are saying Microsoft looks at your emails. Look at this section:

We collect content of your files and communications when necessary to provide you with the services you use. This includes: the content of your documents, photos, music or video you upload to a Microsoft service such as OneDrive. It also includes the content of your communications sent or received using Microsoft services, such as the:

subject line and body of an email,
text or other content of an instant message,
audio and video recording of a video message, and
audio recording and transcript of a voice message you receive or a text message you dictate.

While not wonderful, this is a far cry from recording everything you email from your Gmail account, for example.

 

[bbhaag]

Isn't Windows considered a service now? A Microsoft service correct?

 

[lxskllr]

I suggest some of you need to read more. Try reading the Personal Data We Collect section here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspx

For example, some folks are saying Microsoft looks at your emails. Look at this section:


While not wonderful, this is a far cry from recording everything you email from your Gmail account, for example.

Does Win10 come with a mail client? If so, that probably qualifies as a MS service. In any case, arguing over a EULA is pointless. Windows is backdoored from one end to the other. They have the ability to do anything they want, and the legal team to sink anyone who complains.

A EULA is just a hair better than a pinky swear on your mother's grave. It can be changed with the stroke of a pen, and there's nothing anyone can do about it. The only real assurance people have is technological. Data $Company doesn't have access to is data that can't be hacked, and/or used against you by a rubber stamp court. What MS does or doesn't do in the present is irrelevant, because they can if they choose to, and a worthless bit of legalese people blindly click on during installation won't stop them.

 

[JeffMD]

If the os is ever found backdoored then businesses will drop ms like a bad habit and ms will go bankrupt. They are sneaky, not suicidal.

 

[lxskllr]

Spoken like a true idiot. If the os is ever found backdoored then businesses will drop ms like a bad habit and ms will go bankrupt. They are sneaky, not suicidal.

Maybe you should do more reading, and less mouth running...

http://drleonardcoldwell.com/2013/0...-entities-not-to-use-windows-8-linked-to-nsa/

That doesn't get into historical lapses and rumors. Rumors because no one can look at the code, and have to trust what MS says. The same MS that's proven time and again it isn't trustworthy.

jackass

 

[JeffMD]

Ix, remote access from MS CS is not new, and I believe it can be disabled. It seems to be well protected in some way (limited ip access, well protected authentication) as it does not seem to be the source of any exploits yet. Could MS overide the user and could the NSA have access to it remains to be seen, however It is such a direct connection, almost like walking through the front door with a special pass, that any well off security system would have logged such access.

Again windows 8 has been out how long now and no such funny business has been logged and no court evidence has been obtained using such methods? I am taking the "Not really going to belive it until it happens" route but then that is pretty much the only route we can rely on with closed sourced software. All the backdoor assumptions you can make would also run true for windows 7, vista, and Mac OS.

That said, OS security has never been that great. Every time someone mentions bitlocker I hear lots of laughter. If you want file security you need to go third party.