Both legitimate and unlicensed users of Microsoft's XP operating system software will be able to download the Service Pack 2 security patch for free

"We haven't explicitly done anything to SP2 to exclude it from pirated copies," said Microsoft group product manager Barry Goffe. The United States-based executive was interviewed via telephone.

Meanwhile, Mr Goffe noted that pirate users should not assume that the change of heart in SP2 means that Microsoft is going soft on piracy.



More:
__http://computertimes.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,5104,2292,00.html

I am so confused. So what about the Microsoft's attempts to block some PID ranges via XP SP2 v2120? :unsure:

Guess it means if you're smart enough to get it loaded, they won't block you from getting updates.

Excatly the will not block pirated copies of Windows XP SP2 from download updates from windowsupdate.com nor will it autodelete itself.

Why? Well:

"It was a tough choice, but we finally decided that even if someone has pirated copy of Windows, it is more important to keep him safe than it is to be concerned about the revenue issue," he added.

"Having these unsecured users means bigger worm and virus outbreaks - which also impacts the Internet and consequently, our legitimate users as well."

Like his last remark.

"We have and are developing new technologies to combat piracy for our software, but for SP2 we'll make one exception."

lol Yea sure. :P

Well that is the simple way to combat piracy. Give it away for free and then let the people who are not legal get updates and get recorded. Then when SP2 DOES come out then it can block ALL people who are not legal.

That just may be possible but only time will tell

Thanks
Dudelive

Well it would be against the law. lol

Since its not in their privacy agree. ;)