This is a defense of the giant, Microsoft (MS) over the misunderstanding and subsequent misunderstanding surrounding a supposed backdoor to a free licensed copy of Windows 10, the latest, and somewhat groundbreaking, operating system (OS) coming from the Redmond company.
Windows 10 picks up after the widely panned Windows 8 and brings the OS across different platforms like the PCs, Tablets, Smartphone, the XboX, and even a Holo Lens. All versions will run “Universal Apps” which should work across all platforms. Windows 10 is generally shaping up to be a hit for Microsoft, key to this is the insider program where volunteer beta testers give useful feedback to Microsoft in order to perfect the OS before its July 29 release.
source: Windows Blog
Windows Insiders running the Windows 10 Insider Preview (Home and Pro editions) with their registered MSA connected to their PC will receive the final release build of Windows 10 starting on 29 July ...
As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated.
Once you have successfully installed this build and activated, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh.
This led some amateur hackers to claim that theoretically, one will be able to obtain an unlimited number of copies of the new OS by simply signing up to the insider program, downloading a beta copy of Windows 10 and, when the new OS rolls out on July 29, 2015, their copy of the beta version will become a licensed copy of the OS. Theoretically, you can create an infinite number of these “legitimized versions” running on what were once pirated versions, builds and virtual desktops! One didn’t even need to install it over a licensed version of Windows 7 or 8.1 as would be required of regular users.
When this hack was publicized, the hacking community was rejoicing. Never before had MS allowed one to download copies of their OS and for FREE at that!
So you can imagine the rage that Microsoft generated when it [secretly] amended its blog post with the following changes:
Source: zdnet.com
Needless to say, Microsoft was literally forced to clarify the confusion of who gets a free version of Windows 10. The final word on the matter was discussed by Microsoft’s Gabe Aul in an interview with the Verge:
The nuance here is that Microsoft will keep fresh copies of Windows 10 activated for testers only if they keep opting-in to future preview updates. So if you’ve clean installed a Windows 10 preview build and upgrade to the final then you don’t have to worry about activation as long as you keep receiving pre-release updates. "Since we’re continuing the Windows Insider Program you’ll be able to continue receiving builds and those builds will continue to be activated under the terms of the Windows Insider Program,"...
Why did this create such a brouhaha? Was the furor justified? It seems that the community was simply used to getting stuff for free. Paying for software is no longer the norm. We have Cupertino and Incheon to blame for this. Cupertino was the company that pioneered the Over the Air (OTA)
The fact of the matter is, Microsoft is a software company, its focus isn’t on making the machines that run the software itself - unlike Apple which both makes hardware and software, or unlike google which gives away free software and makes money off advertisers - completely different business model! And at the heart of this matter is that Microsoft has the right to make money off the licensing of its software and to prevent those running unlicensed versions of its software from getting away with things.
In no way is Microsoft the “bad guy” in this brouhaha, rather, it is the victim of those people seeking to take advantage of free software.
These people, thinking they’ve found a loophole published their theories and simply got disappointed when Microsoft “clarified itself” in order to avoid the very disappointment these people are feeling now. In now way will an ordinary/regular user of the software be affected by this at all.
Of course, there are those within the Windows 10 Insider program who were hurt stating that they should have been entitled to a free version of Windows 10 as well, compensation. Sorry to say guys, but what you went through was completely voluntary, thus Microsoft isn’t obligated to give you any compensation.
We can understand the frustration this caused, though, we’ve become spoiled with “free” OS upgrades thanks to the Open Source Android Operating System and the Hardware-Subsidized iOS, but paid operating systems, especially those that come with support contracts for personal users and enterprises is still a legitimate business model.
Remember when you had to buy this baby off the shelf?
source: guidebookgallery.com
With that, we should just go ahead and enjoy the free upgrade this July 29.
