Windows updates and dial up users

Mon Sep 22 17:07:45 UTC 2003

>> Realise that this would require MS to take responsibility for putting out
>> bad code. That's quite unlikely, IMO.
>
> Hmm no, they dont have to take that approach, they currently provide
> updates as  part of their license agreement to users, this would just be
> an enhancement of  their existing facility offering a new level of
> security whereby users can gain  access to critical updates without
> putting their machines at risk by connecting  to the global Internet...
>
Actually, they don't, and, that's probably why they don't want others
redistributing their patch software.  If you run Windows update, you have
to agree to half a dozen additional and supplemental EULAs before you can
actually get your software patched.  (I carefully had someone else agree
on the one Windows system I have to cope with so that _I_ am still not
a party to a Micr0$0ft EULA).

It would be an enhancement for the users, but, for Micr0$0ft, it's all about
the EULA, and, if it is distributed on CD, it's much harder for them to
enforce the "you must agree to the supplemental EULA" provisions.

Owen