To download the new Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) software you need to verify that you’re a customer “running genuine Microsoft Windows.” I’m pretty sure mine is legit, at least the guy on Market street said it was. Of course on the confirmation page, it seems you can get by their million-dollar verification system by choosing “No, do not validate Windows at this time, but take me to the download.” Hat tip: Robert Scoble.
The validation tool doesn’t seem to work properly for me. Of course, this could be to do with the fact that I’m using Firefox. On a Debian box. Possibly.
Once you have it downloaded though, you can move it from computer to computer. I tried it out at work today and it seemed to be a good application, although it renders your computer virtually useless while it’s running.
I tried the validation tool a couple of months back and it didn’t validate my laptop. That Gateway installed Windows on.
Nick, do you mean when its doing a full scan? Because I’ve been running it all day and its been fine and i’m on a Centrino laptop so its no speed demon.
Appearently, the validation system was created as a way to get users to confirm that they do have Windows. Yes. But the main point is that it’s supposed to make users feel guilty, and offer brownie points – and free downloads! – if you do care to validate. Never mind that the only free download I’ve heard someone getting for this as an extra for being validated was freely available anyway.
I accidently installed the windows validate program (stupid me). Does anyone here know how to remove it? Its making funny pictures and messing up the start-up of windows. Please respond if possible.
Matt, you can buy Windows. You’re coming from a .edu, I’m sure you can get an academic version pretty cheaply.