Well this is interesting read. A developer is openly stating that he will be pirating Microsoft’s upcoming operating system, Windows 8, because he is tired of the company’s Windows activation issues. He argues that pirating Windows is easier than actually activating a legit copy.
“I have purchased every consumer version of Windows, except Windows Me, since Windows 3.1. I have also purchased dozens of Office licenses, Server licenses and CALs. I will not buy another copy of Windows until the activation system is removed. Not another moment of my time will be wasted entering excessively long 100-digit activation keys into my telephone, only to have the key automatically rejected, then manually accepted after a few more minutes of inconvenience by someone on the phone. I have had enough,” developer Justin Cunningham states on his website.
According to Cunningham, time is wasted attempting to activate a legitimate copy of Windows. In his experience, there has to be multiple attempts to activate Windows, even via a phone call. “Multiple tries later, it works, and you feel like you just wasted a lot of time for very little progress.” In fact, Cunningham has also had problems with Windows install discs that wouldn’t read and Microsoft wouldn’t replace them. Cunningham also argues that he would need to install Windows multiple times just to get the operating system working properly again.
“Why can’t I just enter my product key and download an updated ISO with slipstreamed service packs? Why do pirates have a better experience than customers? If I want to reinstall my system, or upgrade my hardware, or switch between bootcamp and virtual machines, I will. I am not calling to beg for permission any longer,” Cunningham argues. Well, someone needs to tell him about Windows 8 and its streamlined web installer to help with the disc issue.
Cunningham also states that he will pirate Windows from now on until the “consumer hostile tomfoolery comes to an end.” He also argues that “the only thing these activation schemes are doing, is inconveniencing those of us that pay for the product.”
Cunningham’s arguments are based on Windows XP solely, which we concur to have had the same problems he had but what do you expect when using an operating system that’s nearly 11 years old? In my personal experience, I am on the same legitimate original install of Windows 7 since it was released and have yet to have the need to do a re-install or have had any type of activation issue. Now, don’t get me wrong, Windows XP was a headache at times, but that was then and this is now. While piracy may be the easy way out, it is not the answer. Perhaps Cunningham should try something other than Windows XP and wait for Windows 8 to be the solution to his problems. Do you agree or disagree? Lets hear your feedback in the comments below.