• Welcome to Tux Reports: Where Penguins Fly. We hope you find the topics varied, interesting, and worthy of your time. Please become a member and join in the discussions.

cpu usage when windows is idle

F

Frank

Flightless Bird
Al Smith wrote:
> Frank wrote:
>
>>> I took a look at Security Essentials and decided against it. It phones
>>> home to Microsoft,...

>>
>> ...so?
>>
>> and you need to join the little Microsoft purity club
>>> in order to get it,...

>>
>> ...you mean you must be running a Genuine Copy of a Windows OS huh?
>> Oops!...LOL!
>>
>> so I took a pass.
>>
>> Too bad, cause for Windows, it is the best available.
>>>
>>> -Al-

>
>
>
>
> I run Avast antivirus,


....phones home.

Ad-Aware for malware and adware,

....and it phones home.

and the Comodo
> firewall.


....big deal! The 7 firewall is just as good.

I'm behind a router.

....aren't we all?

I don't feel particularly insecure.

You shouldn't.

> Microsoft is a bigger threat than most malware


....in what way?

-- the recent security
> update that hosed so many computers is an example.


Really? none of mine got "hosed".
So if you don't Windows then why are you using it?
>
> -Al-
 
S

Stephen Wolstenholme

Flightless Bird
On Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:10:38 GMT, Al Smith <invalid@address.com>
wrote:

>I took a look at Security Essentials and decided against it. It
>phones home to Microsoft, and you need to join the little
>Microsoft purity club in order to get it, so I took a pass.


All virus scanners that keep up to date must phone home.

Steve

--
Neural Planner Software Ltd www.NPSL1.com

Neural network applications, help and support.
 
B

bb

Flightless Bird
On 2/11/2010 5:32 AM, minimus wrote:

> Cant do that: the moment I touch the computer cpu usage slows down and
> cant see it in the process tab. When I open the process tab and then
> leave the computer idle, then it does not use the CPU as it would if I
> had not opened the process tab. So it leaves me no chance to see what is
> eating up the cpu when the computer is idle.
>

Instead of the task manager, maybe try the 'Resource Monitor'? Much
more detailed - try leaving it open.

It shows what's going on in the CPU by Process, Memory by program, Disk
by writes/read, and Network activity.

Just type 'resource' in the start menu to find it.
 
L

LouB

Flightless Bird
bb wrote:
> On 2/11/2010 5:32 AM, minimus wrote:
>
>> Cant do that: the moment I touch the computer cpu usage slows down and
>> cant see it in the process tab. When I open the process tab and then
>> leave the computer idle, then it does not use the CPU as it would if I
>> had not opened the process tab. So it leaves me no chance to see what is
>> eating up the cpu when the computer is idle.
>>

> Instead of the task manager, maybe try the 'Resource Monitor'? Much
> more detailed - try leaving it open.
>
> It shows what's going on in the CPU by Process, Memory by program, Disk
> by writes/read, and Network activity.
>
> Just type 'resource' in the start menu to find it.

Thx
 
O

Ophelia

Flightless Bird
O

Ophelia

Flightless Bird
"Ophelia" <Ophelia@Elsinore.me.uk> wrote in message
news:7tna59Fmr5U1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "bb" <bb@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:hl4v42$b7s$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>> On 2/12/2010 10:10 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>
>>> Oh Coool:)) thank you very much RC:))
>>>

>>
>> Then also check out the "All CPU Meter"
>> http://gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.aspx?li=587ef54f-e121-418b-b258-e583e105a0d6&bt=1&pl=1
>>
>> Shows Memory and Usage by CPUs - our Core7 shows 8 CPUs!

>
> Thank you, bb:) I will have a wee lookie at that one too:)


Oh yes, that is a cracking bit of kit too, thanks:))

--
--
https://www.shop.helpforheroes.org.uk/
 
D

Dave

Flightless Bird
"Al Smith" <invalid@address.com> wrote in message
news:-OIhdn.63567$Db2.33972@edtnps83...
> Dave wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Char Jackson" <none@none.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:r3e9n59j1iba7jhs3snna12oceamarrr39@4ax.com...
>>> On Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:33:10 +0100, "minimus" <minimus@live.co.uk>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I use AVG and AVG has no automatic updating or whatsoever.
>>>
>>> AVG Free auto updates daily, and the paid version can be set to update
>>> itself even more frequently. I don't think that's taking any
>>> appreciable level of CPU, though, so keep looking.
>>>

>>
>> I used AVG for a while and agree with your assessment, but like another
>> poster pointed out, it is constantly creating a database of some sort.
>> This is only done in the background when system is idle; I'm at a loss
>> for the name of that feature though. You can start the creation
>> manually, let it create the db, then it should only do an update
>> incrementally, which I wouldn't think would take a lot of time. On
>> initial install there is a separate icon for this feature but you can
>> switch it to merge with the AVG icon and you never see the icon for the
>> db creator again.
>> I'm not positive this is what's going on but I would suggest to the op
>> to try shutting this feature off and see it that solves their problem.
>> Dave
>> PS Another option is MS Security Essentials, which is a free antivirus
>> and is rated as one of the highest, even higher than AVG. Does automatic
>> updates, auto-scan and warns you if you forget to do a scan for a while.
>> It's not a suite though so if you need those features it won't fit the
>> bill.

>
>
> I took a look at Security Essentials and decided against it. It phones
> home to Microsoft, and you need to join the little Microsoft purity club
> in order to get it, so I took a pass.
>
> -Al-


I'm not arguing for or against, but I thought this feature was shut off if
you elected on install. AFAIR when I installed there was a selection on
sharing info with MS, which I declined. Not sure about the club though.
Dave
 
S

Stephen Wolstenholme

Flightless Bird
On Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:21:13 -0600, "Dave" <davidj92@wowway.com>
wrote:

>
>
>"Al Smith" <invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>news:-OIhdn.63567$Db2.33972@edtnps83...
>> Dave wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "Char Jackson" <none@none.invalid> wrote in message
>>> news:r3e9n59j1iba7jhs3snna12oceamarrr39@4ax.com...
>>>> On Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:33:10 +0100, "minimus" <minimus@live.co.uk>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I use AVG and AVG has no automatic updating or whatsoever.
>>>>
>>>> AVG Free auto updates daily, and the paid version can be set to update
>>>> itself even more frequently. I don't think that's taking any
>>>> appreciable level of CPU, though, so keep looking.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I used AVG for a while and agree with your assessment, but like another
>>> poster pointed out, it is constantly creating a database of some sort.
>>> This is only done in the background when system is idle; I'm at a loss
>>> for the name of that feature though. You can start the creation
>>> manually, let it create the db, then it should only do an update
>>> incrementally, which I wouldn't think would take a lot of time. On
>>> initial install there is a separate icon for this feature but you can
>>> switch it to merge with the AVG icon and you never see the icon for the
>>> db creator again.
>>> I'm not positive this is what's going on but I would suggest to the op
>>> to try shutting this feature off and see it that solves their problem.
>>> Dave
>>> PS Another option is MS Security Essentials, which is a free antivirus
>>> and is rated as one of the highest, even higher than AVG. Does automatic
>>> updates, auto-scan and warns you if you forget to do a scan for a while.
>>> It's not a suite though so if you need those features it won't fit the
>>> bill.

>>
>>
>> I took a look at Security Essentials and decided against it. It phones
>> home to Microsoft, and you need to join the little Microsoft purity club
>> in order to get it, so I took a pass.
>>
>> -Al-

>
>I'm not arguing for or against, but I thought this feature was shut off if
>you elected on install. AFAIR when I installed there was a selection on
>sharing info with MS, which I declined. Not sure about the club though.
>Dave


That may go some way to explain how I managed to download Security
Essentials without joining any clubs.

Steve

--
Neural Planner Software Ltd www.NPSL1.com

Neural network applications, help and support.
 
A

Al Smith

Flightless Bird
Stephen Wolstenholme wrote:
> On Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:21:13 -0600, "Dave"<davidj92@wowway.com>
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> "Al Smith"<invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>> news:-OIhdn.63567$Db2.33972@edtnps83...
>>> Dave wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Char Jackson"<none@none.invalid> wrote in message
>>>> news:r3e9n59j1iba7jhs3snna12oceamarrr39@4ax.com...
>>>>> On Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:33:10 +0100, "minimus"<minimus@live.co.uk>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I use AVG and AVG has no automatic updating or whatsoever.
>>>>>
>>>>> AVG Free auto updates daily, and the paid version can be set to update
>>>>> itself even more frequently. I don't think that's taking any
>>>>> appreciable level of CPU, though, so keep looking.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I used AVG for a while and agree with your assessment, but like another
>>>> poster pointed out, it is constantly creating a database of some sort.
>>>> This is only done in the background when system is idle; I'm at a loss
>>>> for the name of that feature though. You can start the creation
>>>> manually, let it create the db, then it should only do an update
>>>> incrementally, which I wouldn't think would take a lot of time. On
>>>> initial install there is a separate icon for this feature but you can
>>>> switch it to merge with the AVG icon and you never see the icon for the
>>>> db creator again.
>>>> I'm not positive this is what's going on but I would suggest to the op
>>>> to try shutting this feature off and see it that solves their problem.
>>>> Dave
>>>> PS Another option is MS Security Essentials, which is a free antivirus
>>>> and is rated as one of the highest, even higher than AVG. Does automatic
>>>> updates, auto-scan and warns you if you forget to do a scan for a while.
>>>> It's not a suite though so if you need those features it won't fit the
>>>> bill.
>>>
>>>
>>> I took a look at Security Essentials and decided against it. It phones
>>> home to Microsoft, and you need to join the little Microsoft purity club
>>> in order to get it, so I took a pass.
>>>
>>> -Al-

>>
>> I'm not arguing for or against, but I thought this feature was shut off if
>> you elected on install. AFAIR when I installed there was a selection on
>> sharing info with MS, which I declined. Not sure about the club though.
>> Dave

>
> That may go some way to explain how I managed to download Security
> Essentials without joining any clubs.
>
> Steve
>


http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx

*Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
Essentials.

[end quote]

How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running
"genuine Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by
scanning it. And if it happens to find something it doesn't like
.... which may well be completely legitimate ... it deactivates it
or cripples it.

I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
much -- lots of free alternatives available.

And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the
OEM Windows 7 DVD.

-Al-
 
O

Ophelia

Flightless Bird
"Al Smith" <invalid@address.com> wrote in message
news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
> Stephen Wolstenholme wrote:
>> On Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:21:13 -0600, "Dave"<davidj92@wowway.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Al Smith"<invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>>> news:-OIhdn.63567$Db2.33972@edtnps83...
>>>> Dave wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Char Jackson"<none@none.invalid> wrote in message
>>>>> news:r3e9n59j1iba7jhs3snna12oceamarrr39@4ax.com...
>>>>>> On Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:33:10 +0100, "minimus"<minimus@live.co.uk>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I use AVG and AVG has no automatic updating or whatsoever.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> AVG Free auto updates daily, and the paid version can be set to
>>>>>> update
>>>>>> itself even more frequently. I don't think that's taking any
>>>>>> appreciable level of CPU, though, so keep looking.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I used AVG for a while and agree with your assessment, but like
>>>>> another
>>>>> poster pointed out, it is constantly creating a database of some sort.
>>>>> This is only done in the background when system is idle; I'm at a loss
>>>>> for the name of that feature though. You can start the creation
>>>>> manually, let it create the db, then it should only do an update
>>>>> incrementally, which I wouldn't think would take a lot of time. On
>>>>> initial install there is a separate icon for this feature but you can
>>>>> switch it to merge with the AVG icon and you never see the icon for
>>>>> the
>>>>> db creator again.
>>>>> I'm not positive this is what's going on but I would suggest to the op
>>>>> to try shutting this feature off and see it that solves their problem.
>>>>> Dave
>>>>> PS Another option is MS Security Essentials, which is a free antivirus
>>>>> and is rated as one of the highest, even higher than AVG. Does
>>>>> automatic
>>>>> updates, auto-scan and warns you if you forget to do a scan for a
>>>>> while.
>>>>> It's not a suite though so if you need those features it won't fit the
>>>>> bill.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I took a look at Security Essentials and decided against it. It phones
>>>> home to Microsoft, and you need to join the little Microsoft purity
>>>> club
>>>> in order to get it, so I took a pass.
>>>>
>>>> -Al-
>>>
>>> I'm not arguing for or against, but I thought this feature was shut off
>>> if
>>> you elected on install. AFAIR when I installed there was a selection on
>>> sharing info with MS, which I declined. Not sure about the club though.
>>> Dave

>>
>> That may go some way to explain how I managed to download Security
>> Essentials without joining any clubs.
>>
>> Steve
>>

>
> http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx
>
>
>
> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
> Essentials.
>
> [end quote]
>
> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running "genuine
> Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by scanning it. And if
> it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well be
> completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>
> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For that
> reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very much -- lots
> of free alternatives available.
>
> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the OEM
> Windows 7 DVD.
 
S

Stephen Wolstenholme

Flightless Bird
On Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:10:13 GMT, Al Smith <invalid@address.com>
wrote:

>http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx
>
>
>
>*Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>Essentials.
>
>[end quote]
>
>How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running
>"genuine Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by
>scanning it. And if it happens to find something it doesn't like
>... which may well be completely legitimate ... it deactivates it
>or cripples it.
>
>I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
>that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
>much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>
>And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
>installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the
>OEM Windows 7 DVD.
>
>-Al-
I saw all that when I first tried to download and ignored it. The
download still worked. I just tried it again and it still works.
Perhaps there is something on my computers that tells Microsoft I use
"genuine Windows" without any need for a scan. I am using Chrome it
that makes any difference.

I download mssefullinstall-x86fre-en-us-xp.exe rather than just run
it.

Steve

--
Neural Planner Software Ltd www.NPSL1.com

Neural network applications, help and support.
 
D

Dave

Flightless Bird
"Al Smith" <invalid@address.com> wrote in message
news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
snip
> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
> Essentials.
>
> [end quote]
>
> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running "genuine
> Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by scanning it. And if
> it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well be
> completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>
> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For that
> reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very much -- lots
> of free alternatives available.
>
> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the OEM
> Windows 7 DVD.
>
> -Al-


That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit intrusive as
almost any MS software you install is going to check if your OS is legit.
OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your installation is
legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
Dave
 
A

Al Smith

Flightless Bird
Dave wrote:
>
>
> "Al Smith" <invalid@address.com> wrote in message
> news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
> snip
>> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>> Essentials.
>>
>> [end quote]
>>
>> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running "genuine
>> Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by scanning it. And
>> if it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well be
>> completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>>
>> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
>> that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
>> much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>>
>> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
>> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the OEM
>> Windows 7 DVD.
>>
>> -Al-

>
> That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit intrusive
> as almost any MS software you install is going to check if your OS is
> legit.
> OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your installation is
> legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
> Dave



I generally avoid software that checks back with home base, or
gives me a hard time about registration. I just can't be bothered
with it. I uninstall it unless for some reason I absolutely have
to have it. It's one of the litmus tests I apply to new software
after I install it ... Is it going to try to call home? Does it
call home even after I tell it not to do so? That was true of
Ad-Aware, which is why I uninstalled it. I installed it recently,
and set it not to check for updates, yet it was still trying to
make contact with home base, so I dumped it.

-Al-
 
Z

Zootal

Flightless Bird
Al Smith <invalid@address.com> wrote in news:%37en.65933$PH1.38435
@edtnps82:

> Dave wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Al Smith" <invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>> news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
>> snip
>>> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>>> Essentials.
>>>
>>> [end quote]
>>>
>>> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running "genuine
>>> Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by scanning it.

And
>>> if it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well be
>>> completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>>>
>>> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
>>> that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
>>> much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>>>
>>> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
>>> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the

OEM
>>> Windows 7 DVD.
>>>
>>> -Al-

>>
>> That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit

intrusive
>> as almost any MS software you install is going to check if your OS is
>> legit.
>> OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your installation

is
>> legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
>> Dave

>
>
> I generally avoid software that checks back with home base, or
> gives me a hard time about registration. I just can't be bothered
> with it. I uninstall it unless for some reason I absolutely have
> to have it. It's one of the litmus tests I apply to new software
> after I install it ... Is it going to try to call home? Does it
> call home even after I tell it not to do so? That was true of
> Ad-Aware, which is why I uninstalled it. I installed it recently,
> and set it not to check for updates, yet it was still trying to
> make contact with home base, so I dumped it.
>
> -Al-
>


I used to use WordPerfect X3. I also used a VPN connection to a
university from time to time. Everytime I would activate or deactivate
the VPN connection, WP would think something had changed and require
reactivation. After a very short while it used up all of my
reactivations, and it locked me out. I was locked out of software that
was legal and legit, that I had payed for. I quickly dumped it.

My solution was to purchase an OEM version off of eBay. While this OEM
version was of questionable legality, it was dirt cheap, I had already
payed for the full version, and *it worked*.

Software makers seem to forget who is paying whom these days. Too bad
there are so many sheep that willingly go along with their heavy handed
anti-piracy schemes.
 
A

Al Smith

Flightless Bird
Zootal wrote:
> Al Smith<invalid@address.com> wrote in news:%37en.65933$PH1.38435
> @edtnps82:
>
>> Dave wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "Al Smith"<invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>>> news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
>>> snip
>>>> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>>>> Essentials.
>>>>
>>>> [end quote]
>>>>
>>>> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running "genuine
>>>> Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by scanning it.

> And
>>>> if it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well be
>>>> completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>>>>
>>>> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
>>>> that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
>>>> much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>>>>
>>>> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
>>>> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the

> OEM
>>>> Windows 7 DVD.
>>>>
>>>> -Al-
>>>
>>> That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit

> intrusive
>>> as almost any MS software you install is going to check if your OS is
>>> legit.
>>> OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your installation

> is
>>> legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
>>> Dave

>>
>>
>> I generally avoid software that checks back with home base, or
>> gives me a hard time about registration. I just can't be bothered
>> with it. I uninstall it unless for some reason I absolutely have
>> to have it. It's one of the litmus tests I apply to new software
>> after I install it ... Is it going to try to call home? Does it
>> call home even after I tell it not to do so? That was true of
>> Ad-Aware, which is why I uninstalled it. I installed it recently,
>> and set it not to check for updates, yet it was still trying to
>> make contact with home base, so I dumped it.
>>
>> -Al-
>>

>
> I used to use WordPerfect X3. I also used a VPN connection to a
> university from time to time. Everytime I would activate or deactivate
> the VPN connection, WP would think something had changed and require
> reactivation. After a very short while it used up all of my
> reactivations, and it locked me out. I was locked out of software that
> was legal and legit, that I had payed for. I quickly dumped it.
>
> My solution was to purchase an OEM version off of eBay. While this OEM
> version was of questionable legality, it was dirt cheap, I had already
> payed for the full version, and *it worked*.
>
> Software makers seem to forget who is paying whom these days. Too bad
> there are so many sheep that willingly go along with their heavy handed
> anti-piracy schemes.
>



The anti-piracy stuff just seems to inconvenience the legitimate
users, without stopping the so-called pirates. It is driving more
people to downloading cracked programs from the torrents, which
are sometimes infected with malware, and this serves to spread
malware. I've read posts by a lot of people who say they've
downloaded and installed pirate Microsoft software, only because
they couldn't be bothered trying to sort out the "security
protection" in their legitimate copies. Seems almost as if
Microsoft is trying to make itself secure from its own customers.

-Al-
 
Z

Zootal

Flightless Bird
Al Smith <invalid@address.com> wrote in
news:XFfen.66067$PH1.32766@edtnps82:

> Zootal wrote:
>> Al Smith<invalid@address.com> wrote in news:%37en.65933$PH1.38435
>> @edtnps82:
>>
>>> Dave wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Al Smith"<invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
>>>> snip
>>>>> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>>>>> Essentials.
>>>>>
>>>>> [end quote]
>>>>>
>>>>> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running
>>>>> "genuine Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by
>>>>> scanning it.

>> And
>>>>> if it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well
>>>>> be completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>>>>>
>>>>> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
>>>>> that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
>>>>> much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>>>>>
>>>>> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
>>>>> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the

>> OEM
>>>>> Windows 7 DVD.
>>>>>
>>>>> -Al-
>>>>
>>>> That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit

>> intrusive
>>>> as almost any MS software you install is going to check if your OS
>>>> is legit.
>>>> OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your
>>>> installation

>> is
>>>> legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
>>>> Dave
>>>
>>>
>>> I generally avoid software that checks back with home base, or
>>> gives me a hard time about registration. I just can't be bothered
>>> with it. I uninstall it unless for some reason I absolutely have
>>> to have it. It's one of the litmus tests I apply to new software
>>> after I install it ... Is it going to try to call home? Does it
>>> call home even after I tell it not to do so? That was true of
>>> Ad-Aware, which is why I uninstalled it. I installed it recently,
>>> and set it not to check for updates, yet it was still trying to
>>> make contact with home base, so I dumped it.
>>>
>>> -Al-
>>>

>>
>> I used to use WordPerfect X3. I also used a VPN connection to a
>> university from time to time. Everytime I would activate or
>> deactivate the VPN connection, WP would think something had changed
>> and require reactivation. After a very short while it used up all of
>> my reactivations, and it locked me out. I was locked out of software
>> that was legal and legit, that I had payed for. I quickly dumped it.
>>
>> My solution was to purchase an OEM version off of eBay. While this
>> OEM version was of questionable legality, it was dirt cheap, I had
>> already payed for the full version, and *it worked*.
>>
>> Software makers seem to forget who is paying whom these days. Too bad
>> there are so many sheep that willingly go along with their heavy
>> handed anti-piracy schemes.
>>

>
>
> The anti-piracy stuff just seems to inconvenience the legitimate
> users, without stopping the so-called pirates. It is driving more
> people to downloading cracked programs from the torrents, which
> are sometimes infected with malware, and this serves to spread
> malware. I've read posts by a lot of people who say they've
> downloaded and installed pirate Microsoft software, only because
> they couldn't be bothered trying to sort out the "security
> protection" in their legitimate copies. Seems almost as if
> Microsoft is trying to make itself secure from its own customers.
>
> -Al-
>


Back in the late '80s and early '90s, Microsoft was a pretty good
company. They didn't have odious copy protection and anti-piracy
policies, their tech support was top notch, accessible, and spoke
English, and the people that worked for them liked working for them.
(well, I guess some still do today, but Microsoft isn't the great
employer that they used to be). Unfortunately, Microsoft, like many
companies who experience some success, took their focus off of the
people that made them successful (ie their customers) and started to
focus on their shareholders wealth and market control. I use a lot of
competing products today because of that. WordPerfect, QuattroPro,
MySQL, Linux - all products where Microsoft doesn't get my money
anymore. QuattroPro narrowly escaped a trip to the trash can because
unfortunately, WordPerfect Office isn't much better anymore than
Microsoft products anymore - oh how the mighty have fallen :(
 
A

Al Smith

Flightless Bird
Zootal wrote:
> Al Smith<invalid@address.com> wrote in
> news:XFfen.66067$PH1.32766@edtnps82:
>
>> Zootal wrote:
>>> Al Smith<invalid@address.com> wrote in news:%37en.65933$PH1.38435
>>> @edtnps82:
>>>
>>>> Dave wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Al Smith"<invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
>>>>> snip
>>>>>> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>>>>>> Essentials.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> [end quote]
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running
>>>>>> "genuine Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by
>>>>>> scanning it.
>>> And
>>>>>> if it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may well
>>>>>> be completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple. For
>>>>>> that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I mind very
>>>>>> much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It was
>>>>>> installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I have the
>>> OEM
>>>>>> Windows 7 DVD.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -Al-
>>>>>
>>>>> That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit
>>> intrusive
>>>>> as almost any MS software you install is going to check if your OS
>>>>> is legit.
>>>>> OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your
>>>>> installation
>>> is
>>>>> legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
>>>>> Dave
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I generally avoid software that checks back with home base, or
>>>> gives me a hard time about registration. I just can't be bothered
>>>> with it. I uninstall it unless for some reason I absolutely have
>>>> to have it. It's one of the litmus tests I apply to new software
>>>> after I install it ... Is it going to try to call home? Does it
>>>> call home even after I tell it not to do so? That was true of
>>>> Ad-Aware, which is why I uninstalled it. I installed it recently,
>>>> and set it not to check for updates, yet it was still trying to
>>>> make contact with home base, so I dumped it.
>>>>
>>>> -Al-
>>>>
>>>
>>> I used to use WordPerfect X3. I also used a VPN connection to a
>>> university from time to time. Everytime I would activate or
>>> deactivate the VPN connection, WP would think something had changed
>>> and require reactivation. After a very short while it used up all of
>>> my reactivations, and it locked me out. I was locked out of software
>>> that was legal and legit, that I had payed for. I quickly dumped it.
>>>
>>> My solution was to purchase an OEM version off of eBay. While this
>>> OEM version was of questionable legality, it was dirt cheap, I had
>>> already payed for the full version, and *it worked*.
>>>
>>> Software makers seem to forget who is paying whom these days. Too bad
>>> there are so many sheep that willingly go along with their heavy
>>> handed anti-piracy schemes.
>>>

>>
>>
>> The anti-piracy stuff just seems to inconvenience the legitimate
>> users, without stopping the so-called pirates. It is driving more
>> people to downloading cracked programs from the torrents, which
>> are sometimes infected with malware, and this serves to spread
>> malware. I've read posts by a lot of people who say they've
>> downloaded and installed pirate Microsoft software, only because
>> they couldn't be bothered trying to sort out the "security
>> protection" in their legitimate copies. Seems almost as if
>> Microsoft is trying to make itself secure from its own customers.
>>
>> -Al-
>>

>
> Back in the late '80s and early '90s, Microsoft was a pretty good
> company. They didn't have odious copy protection and anti-piracy
> policies, their tech support was top notch, accessible, and spoke
> English, and the people that worked for them liked working for them.
> (well, I guess some still do today, but Microsoft isn't the great
> employer that they used to be). Unfortunately, Microsoft, like many
> companies who experience some success, took their focus off of the
> people that made them successful (ie their customers) and started to
> focus on their shareholders wealth and market control. I use a lot of
> competing products today because of that. WordPerfect, QuattroPro,
> MySQL, Linux - all products where Microsoft doesn't get my money
> anymore. QuattroPro narrowly escaped a trip to the trash can because
> unfortunately, WordPerfect Office isn't much better anymore than
> Microsoft products anymore - oh how the mighty have fallen :(



I've been very tempted to move to Linux, but the distros I've
tried just don't recognize all my hardware, and they don't run my
games, so for that reason I've stuck with Windows. But I took a
pass on Vista completely. Right now, most new computer buyers are
moving to Windows 7 64-bit, and 64-bit free programs aren't quite
commonly available yet, but in a year or so this problem should
solve itself.

-Al-
 
Z

Zootal

Flightless Bird
Al Smith <invalid@address.com> wrote in
news:c_hen.65923$Db2.26048@edtnps83:

> Zootal wrote:
>> Al Smith<invalid@address.com> wrote in
>> news:XFfen.66067$PH1.32766@edtnps82:
>>
>>> Zootal wrote:
>>>> Al Smith<invalid@address.com> wrote in news:%37en.65933$PH1.38435
>>>> @edtnps82:
>>>>
>>>>> Dave wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Al Smith"<invalid@address.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:FGDdn.63758$Db2.27508@edtnps83...
>>>>>> snip
>>>>>>> *Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security
>>>>>>> Essentials.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> [end quote]
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> How does Microsoft determine whether or not you are running
>>>>>>> "genuine Windows?" Why, it checks your computer, of course, by
>>>>>>> scanning it.
>>>> And
>>>>>>> if it happens to find something it doesn't like ... which may
>>>>>>> well be completely legitimate ... it deactivates it or cripples
>>>>>>> it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I won't have Microsoft scanning my computer. It's that simple.
>>>>>>> For that reason, I can't run Security Essentials. Not that I
>>>>>>> mind very much -- lots of free alternatives available.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> And yes, my install of Windows 7 is completely legitimate. It
>>>>>>> was installed on my new Dell computer when I bought it, and I
>>>>>>> have the
>>>> OEM
>>>>>>> Windows 7 DVD.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -Al-
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That's your right to feel that way. MS does tend to get a bit
>>>> intrusive
>>>>>> as almost any MS software you install is going to check if your
>>>>>> OS is legit.
>>>>>> OTOH, almost any retail software is going to ensure your
>>>>>> installation
>>>> is
>>>>>> legit somehow or other so MS is not alone on that.
>>>>>> Dave
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I generally avoid software that checks back with home base, or
>>>>> gives me a hard time about registration. I just can't be bothered
>>>>> with it. I uninstall it unless for some reason I absolutely have
>>>>> to have it. It's one of the litmus tests I apply to new software
>>>>> after I install it ... Is it going to try to call home? Does it
>>>>> call home even after I tell it not to do so? That was true of
>>>>> Ad-Aware, which is why I uninstalled it. I installed it recently,
>>>>> and set it not to check for updates, yet it was still trying to
>>>>> make contact with home base, so I dumped it.
>>>>>
>>>>> -Al-
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I used to use WordPerfect X3. I also used a VPN connection to a
>>>> university from time to time. Everytime I would activate or
>>>> deactivate the VPN connection, WP would think something had changed
>>>> and require reactivation. After a very short while it used up all
>>>> of my reactivations, and it locked me out. I was locked out of
>>>> software that was legal and legit, that I had payed for. I quickly
>>>> dumped it.
>>>>
>>>> My solution was to purchase an OEM version off of eBay. While this
>>>> OEM version was of questionable legality, it was dirt cheap, I had
>>>> already payed for the full version, and *it worked*.
>>>>
>>>> Software makers seem to forget who is paying whom these days. Too
>>>> bad there are so many sheep that willingly go along with their
>>>> heavy handed anti-piracy schemes.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The anti-piracy stuff just seems to inconvenience the legitimate
>>> users, without stopping the so-called pirates. It is driving more
>>> people to downloading cracked programs from the torrents, which
>>> are sometimes infected with malware, and this serves to spread
>>> malware. I've read posts by a lot of people who say they've
>>> downloaded and installed pirate Microsoft software, only because
>>> they couldn't be bothered trying to sort out the "security
>>> protection" in their legitimate copies. Seems almost as if
>>> Microsoft is trying to make itself secure from its own customers.
>>>
>>> -Al-
>>>

>>
>> Back in the late '80s and early '90s, Microsoft was a pretty good
>> company. They didn't have odious copy protection and anti-piracy
>> policies, their tech support was top notch, accessible, and spoke
>> English, and the people that worked for them liked working for them.
>> (well, I guess some still do today, but Microsoft isn't the great
>> employer that they used to be). Unfortunately, Microsoft, like many
>> companies who experience some success, took their focus off of the
>> people that made them successful (ie their customers) and started to
>> focus on their shareholders wealth and market control. I use a lot of
>> competing products today because of that. WordPerfect, QuattroPro,
>> MySQL, Linux - all products where Microsoft doesn't get my money
>> anymore. QuattroPro narrowly escaped a trip to the trash can because
>> unfortunately, WordPerfect Office isn't much better anymore than
>> Microsoft products anymore - oh how the mighty have fallen :(

>
>
> I've been very tempted to move to Linux, but the distros I've
> tried just don't recognize all my hardware, and they don't run my
> games, so for that reason I've stuck with Windows. But I took a
> pass on Vista completely. Right now, most new computer buyers are
> moving to Windows 7 64-bit, and 64-bit free programs aren't quite
> commonly available yet, but in a year or so this problem should
> solve itself.
>
> -Al-
>


I hear you on Vista. I got burned with WindowsME, didn't feel like doing
it again with Vista. The only reason I'm using Windows 7 right now is
because ATI fixed the opengl support in the drivers, whereas it's still
broken in XP64.

Try Slackware (www.slackware.com). Their default distro has a huge
kernel with just about every driver under the sun. If not, then you have
run into one of the main differences between Winbloze and Linux - if the
driver isn't there, Linux requires some Linux know-how to find it and
make it work. There is an excellent help forum,
http://www.linuxquestions.org/, with enough traffic that you often get
answers within hours. When I decided to move to linux, I spent many
hours there. I was using a toshiba laptop, and at the time drivers for
toshibas. With perserverance, I was able to get it working.

But games? Ain't gonna happen. Linux just isn't a gamers platform, and
game makers aren't going to waste their time making games run on Linux.
Excellent for servers, but not for clients. It's about the only thing
that keeps me from dumping windows for good.
 
Top