I disagree with the recommendation. If people didn't pirate the OS in the first place (or just ran Linux and avoid this whole situation) we wouldn't have to worry about trying to patch those systems. It is not in MS's interest to not put Genuine checks in there update system or to just give out free security updates to everyone. If you have a legal copy of windows I find no problem in running the WGA software, I have had no problems with it so far. The MS business model and OS are far from problem free, but if all security patches are released to everyone "for the good of the internet" I will definitely not be purchasing the software, what reason is there to when you are getting the most important thing - an up to date fully patched system? The best thing for the internet is for people to run a legal copy of windows, a spyware/bot cleaner or 2, a decent firewall and watch what they click on, a little user education. Can we say we wouldn't be having this whole patch discussion if windows was just secure to begin with? Well, that's off topic and asking to much though :).

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Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/columns/484/35236#35236