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Is Microsoft supporting Vista SP1 Upgrade Edition pirates?
The loop-hole exists in the Vista SP1 Upgrade Edition, which requires a previous install of Windows 2000, XP, or Vista but the upgrade edition will install even if they're absent. The Vista SP1 Upgrade Edition retails for about $110 less than the full version of Vista SP1, which means users can save money on upgrading to Vista by purchasing the cheaper upgrade box.
Livingston believes Microsoft supports the hole since the upgrade edition installs over itself in Vista SP1. Although it may seem absurd at first, Microsoft may benefit from such software pirates -- if they can be called that anymore.
The theory behind this is already at play and has been at play for many years. As more and more users install some version of Windows, others will see it as "the standard", and then they will buy it -- or they'll pirate it and indirectly influence others to buy it.
Take, for example, Microsoft Office in the college environment. Many students pirate Microsoft Office because it's a great product, but it's also easy to get for free. These pirates support Office as "the standard" in the college environment, sending the message to their more honest -- or more rich -- counterparts that having it is necessary. If Office were difficult to pirate, its popularity would cease since free and useful alternatives exist.
So more Vista pirates should produce more Vista buyers, but keep in mind, this is simply a theory -- albeit a strongly supported one. Then again, big corporations wouldn't lie to us, right? That's what the TV says.
Comments
9
Subscribe to commentsDance LadyApr 4th 2008 12:37PM
I think so
http://www.i-guide.ro
rossrunsApr 3rd 2008 3:11PM
This was the case when Vista originally shipped, too. People were bitching and moaning about how the Home Premium version was $300+, but you could buy the Home Premium upgrade for something like $150 less, and just install it in a trial mode (i.e. don't enter your key) and then install the "upgrade" over the already-installed OS. I would have been surprised if they DIDN'T fix this loophole - it seems like a great way to get new customers - if someone is told they can get a new OS at a bargain price, or that they can "cheat the system", I think it's human nature that they'll be more willing to upgrade to a new OS over someone only given the option to pay full price.
Gardiner WestboundApr 3rd 2008 3:22PM
Vista isn't worth $110. I wouldn't install Vista if M.S. gave it away.
QuikboyApr 4th 2008 8:29PM
And anyone would want to hear you Vista rant, why?
nkaApr 3rd 2008 4:03PM
Windows Secrets, not Secretes
web-downloadsquad.comApr 3rd 2008 4:56PM
Isn't that exactly what professional 3d software companies (eg. 3d Studio Max) have been doing for decades?
whiskeyApr 3rd 2008 11:53PM
Just like dope... First fix for free!
dreamscape86Apr 4th 2008 11:52AM
A) I really like Vista. Most people I've talked to who complain about it haven't used it for more than 10 minutes, and probably had the same complaints about XP when it was released.
B) Windows is Microsoft's product. If they want to leave it open for pirates, that's their business.
C) If someone is going to be unethical and buy a Vista upgrade when they don't own XP, why wouldn't they just save themselves even more money and download a pirated version from Bittorrent? I don't see this loophole as a huge "threat."
Christopher SouveyApr 6th 2008 3:57PM
In fact, Microsoft is using a similar strategy with students. They just recently came out with Microsoft DreamSpark, which provides free copies of Visual Studio, Expression Studio, XNA Game Studio, and Server 2003 to students. It works in a similar way. When these students graduate and join the industry, they are going to be experienced in these tools and contribute to their purchase. Its a brilliant move in my eyes - a gambit. Sacrifice the individuals, in exchange for the businesses (who have the most money anyways)