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Thursday, August 20, 2015

Windows 10 and Tiny Galaxy: Yargh, Pirates!

By LUDWIG VON KOOPA - Beware of pirates, but don't invade privacy.

We haven't discussed Microsoft's Windows 10 on KoopaTV, and perhaps we should since it has important implications for gaming and the Xbox One, what with Windows 10 and the Xbox One becoming integrated and everything.

What we have discussed in the past was the Xbox One's Trojan Horse attempt to track what was previously considered private. Microsoft does not have a good record with privacy, since they actively collaborate with the National Security Agency (NSA). That's pretty bad.

Well, while I still have the chance to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, I'll still stick with Windows 7.

Windows 10 upgrade free screenshot
They said Windows 8 was the best Windows yet, too.

I'm not totally convinced that Windows 10 would be a better experience. I mean, do I need a better experience? Isn't a lot of that experience determined by my hardware? What good will changing the OS be if my hardware is terrible? (And no, I'm not going to get new hardware as my computer serves my non-gaming uses just fine.)

Anyway, right now I dunno what Microsoft is collecting off my Windows 7, but I do know with Windows 10, they'll be automatically installing things that could break what they want under the guise of stopping piracy.

Here's Microsoft's "Microsoft Services Agreement":
"Sometimes you’ll need software updates to keep using the Services. We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services."
...Except, the same thing basically exists on all the videogame consoles already. Consider the Nintendo Wii U's EULA:
" Such updates or changes may be required for you to play new Wii U games, enjoy new features, or continue to access Wii U services. After your Wii U System is updated or changed, any existing or future unauthorized modification of the hardware or software of your Wii U System, or the use of an unauthorized device in connection with your Wii U System, will render the system permanently unplayable."
They're basically indistinguishable. Now, consider that "Covered Services" also already includes the Xbox family. So you don't have to get a Windows 10 to already be under this. You could be under this if you're a freak who uses Bing. (But Internet Explorer is absent.) Also, you've agreed to this if you use Skype. Yup, if you use Skype, Microsoft can go in and automatically wreck your pirated games (and other things) through voodoo magic and backdoor access. Consider that next time you make fun of KoopaTV for using AOL Instant Messenger. While Microsoft's agreement has them going into your operating system and messing it up, AIM's agreement just warns you they're not at fault if AIM crashes during a nuclear meltdown and you rely on it to communicate in such a situation:
"20. HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES. The Software is not fault-tolerant and is not designed, manufactured or intended for use in environments in which its failure could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems"
I'll take that disclaimer over Microsoft's.

AOL Instant Messenger EULA AIM high risk activites nuclear
Seriously. This is what they worry about.

Anyway, I don't pirate software anyway, so I don't really have anything to worry about. But in case you do (and you're a terrible person if you do), you might want to just only use software that was created before the age of lawyered-up technologically-advanced EULAs.

Because everyone else will try to push out updates that are required to continue using their software that will crash you forever if you've been a bad boy or bad girl.

That brings us to an announcement from Arcane Pixel Games and p0tayters, maker of Tiny Galaxy, an indie game on Wii U we've never talked about and probably never will again.

p0tayters Tiny Galaxy Miiverse announcement pirated copies virus
“Please read this, very important! Today I stumbled upon some sites with a pirated copy of Tiny Galaxy. The disturbing part is that this is actually a very bad virus. [...] Be sure to only download your games from the eshop!”

So...It's not disturbing that these websites are pirating his game. What's disturbing is that it's not really his game, but a virus! It makes us wonder if there are pirated versions of KoopaTV's games out there. That'd be stupid, since they're free, but people pirate our free-to-access music video too. And other videos.

But yeah, let's say you're a pirate. You're clearly a terrible soulless person. And you risk a few threats. You could be downloading a virus. But let's say you get past that hurdle. Then your operating system provider (or your search engine provider, or your instant-messenger provider) detects you pirated something. They could then remove it and brick your access device. Say they don't do that. Well, you could still get put in jail or be capsized. And you'd have to live with yourself as a horrible person to the grave.

Just something to think about.


Ludwig hates piracy. He also values his privacy, and would rather have outdated software than be spied on. Of course, the NSA is already observing everything he does since they're on Miiverse. Perhaps some of his 300+ Followers at NNID PrinceOfKoopas are NSA thugs? In that case, should Ludwig accept his fate?


Have we convinced you to use AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) yet? If you want folks to talk to on it, join KoopaTV's staff and be part of our chat!
Ludwig is a Rand Paul supporter, partially because Rand Paul is at war with the NSA.
You don't need the NSA's mass surveillance to catch criminals before they do crimes.
One year later, Windows 10's forced updating ways have run out!
KoopaTV's preferred communication platform, AIM, is to be discontinued. Skype is still a no-no.
After years of resisting, Ludwig got a Windows 10 computer and he hates it.
Microsoft is only going in a more anti-consumer, anti-privacy direction with their terms updates.

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