Windows 8 May Fight Piracy Via the Cloud
Windows 8 may store key kernel files on Microsoft cloud servers.
Last month we reported that Windows 8 may feature a cloud-based backup feature. The news stemmed from two Microsoft job listings which discussed a possible connection between Windows Azure, web-based services and Windows 8. The news also stemmed from a set of slides released earlier this year suggesting that cloud-based computing would play a vital role in Windows 8.
Now there's an indication that Windows 8 will synchronize several key kernel files directly from Microsoft cloud servers, possibly preventing piracy while also providing instant system updates without requiring a reboot. Windows 8 will supposedly use backup kernels if an Internet connection is unavailable, however the OS will contact Microsoft servers and download the latest files whenever the connection is re-established.
Currently it's unclear how Microsoft will "whitelist" computers and/or licenses. At this point everything is mere speculation, with this latest bit of cloud-based insight stemming from an unnamed source. However the rumor also coincides with previous reports that user accounts would be located in the cloud, saving roaming settings and preferences that would be associated with the user across multiple Windows-based devices.
There's no question that cloud-based services will play a major role in Windows 8. As previously mentioned, Microsoft was seeking a Windows System Engineer to “play a role as we integrate our online services with Windows 8." Another listing sought out a Software Development Engineer to help with work on "a Windows Azure-based service and integrating with certain Microsoft online services and Windows 8 client backup."
Will storing key kernel files on cloud servers help prevent piracy? It's a given that hackers will find a way to enable offline operation, however that could mean pirates couldn't go online. What's the fun in that?
Microsoft: if you release a good product, people will buy it. That is the rule. You made Windows Vista and people didn't buy it. You made Windows 7 and people bought it.
It really is that simple. Haven't you learned from DRM schemes in the music industry ? Just make a good product. Period.
I have several friends who pirated Windows 7. It may not be a HUGE issue, but it's there.
That being said, I'm not too fond of this idea...at all.
I have several friends who pirated Windows 7. It may not be a HUGE issue, but it's there.
That being said, I'm not too fond of this idea...at all.
Microsoft: if you release a good product, people will buy it. That is the rule. You made Windows Vista and people didn't buy it. You made Windows 7 and people bought it.
It really is that simple. Haven't you learned from DRM schemes in the music industry ? Just make a good product. Period.
common... Ubisoft did it and it didn't work, what makes M$ think it can??
Second, if this happens, you know there will be hackers who put their pirated win8 machines behind servers that spoof Windows "activation."
And third, I can't wait for windows 8! Particularly storing profiles on the cloud... as long as it's free...
Erm... no. In developing world markets where piracy is rampant, acceptable and unchecked perhaps, but not in the west. How many large enterprises (the main customers of MS) used pirated software? Next to none. Does average Joe know how he should pirate Windows? No.
The small number of people that are both geeky, greedy and irresponsible won't end Windows hegemony.
On topic: I'm rather opposed to a cloud based OS. Apart from many obvious benefits, there are security issues. And what about those who lack a fast broadband connection?
I'm not sure what the point of cloud-based profiles is. So you can log into your account on a friend's Windows 8 machine? How is that going to work, are all your apps going to be on the cloud too? I really don't care if I can access my "My Documents" folder online, if my friend doesn't have the right programs installed it won't do me any good (yes, I know Microsoft is moving Office to the cloud, but think more broadly, think non-Microsoft).
Personally I will avoid anything cloud-based. When I started with computers someone else owned the computer and they let you use it when they felt like it. Then computers became personal and it was great. We should never go back to having someone else tell us when we can use our/their computers.
Does anyone else here cringe when they hear those "to the cloud!" commercials?
How about reading the article before posting?
"Windows 8 will supposedly use backup kernels if an Internet connection is unavailable"
"I need to make a phone call, can you shut down the computer?"
YES!
Wtf can the cloud do that my computer can't? It might take 0.188356 seconds longer for my computer to do it locally, but I don't really care. Any extremely processor-intensive task that would actually benefit from cloudage would probably be forced to run locally anyways. It's no more than the latest buzzword designed to con people who don't know what they're doing into buying a technology they don't need.