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Warning: XP Phones Home
Microsoft is rather vigilant in trying to ensure
that no one pirates their software. If you are a Windows XP user, every
time you download updates to your Microsoft software from Microsoft’s
website, Microsoft keeps track of what you’re doing. If another computer
attempts to use the same serial number for Windows XP that you’ve used,
the 2nd computer will not be able to download the updates you’ll have
received. Microsoft is watching.
Windows XP keeps track of what hardware is inside your computer when you
first install it. If you upgrade or change hardware inside your computer
more than three times, Windows XP may stop working and require you call
Microsoft to get an “authentication code”. At that time, you’ll have to
explain to a Microsoft representative why you’re changing so much
hardware at once. To Windows XP changing a lot of hardware at once looks
the same as having the same copy Windows XP installed on two separate
computers. Microsoft will not give its customers the benefit of the
doubt that they are simply adding or upgrading or otherwise changing
hardware.
Microsoft is about to release its first service pack (official bundle of
“fixes” for problems reported by users) to Windows XP. The first service
pack, will fix many known security problems with XP and many
functionality issues about which users have complained to Microsoft. We
cannot recommend Windows XP to everyone for all purposes. However, if
you think this release of Windows might benefit you, contact us. We can help you to evaluate
whether or not you and/or your business can benefit from Windows XP.
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