Microsoft, Barn Door, Loose Code

Microsoft slightly trumped again. Usually when they do a RTM release of code that want to know who has it thru registration. Well that plan is sunk. Versions of the software are now all over multiple boards. –

Interestingly, the groups which tend to be responsible for distributing Microsoft product code ahead of time – WinBeta and BetaInsiders – are actually drawing this code from legitimate Microsoft resources. Although neither Windows Server 2008 nor Vista SP1 are available for general release yet, they are available to TechNet and Microsoft Connect subscribers, and the product code doing the rounds is exactly the same as that available on these sources.

Bear in mind that these releases aren’t true warez as neither group has published product keys or any other sort of activation bypass. However this doesn’t make their release any less piratical, as software available from these sources is explicitly forbidden from being redistributed (so much for that warning).

Be aware these are not ‘cracked’ versions. You still need a key. But it is a minor annoyance to M$.

Linky.