Windows Secrets dot com
September 13, 2007, Issue 122
By Scott Dunn
Files changed with no notice to users
In recent days, Windows Update (WU) started altering files on users’ systems without displaying any dialog box to request permission. The only files that have been reportedly altered to date are nine small executables on XP and nine on Vista that are used by WU itself. Microsoft is patching these files silently, even if auto-updates have been disabled on a particular PC.
It’s surprising that these files can be changed without the user’s knowledge. The Automatic Updates dialog box in the Control Panel can be set to prevent updates from being installed automatically. However, with Microsoft’s latest stealth move, updates to the WU executables seem to be installed regardless of the settings — without notifying users.
As soon as I get around to it, I’m going to get a spare hard drive and begin learning Linux. I plan to try out gNewSense (pronounced: “gunew sense”) Linux. This Micro$oft conspiracy is just getting more and more intrusive and insidious. Check out:
“This project is run with the assistance of the FSF.”
Also see:
Linux dot com
gNewSense joins list of FSF-approved distros
By Bruce Byfield on November 10, 2006
