What if Windows is pirated. Wannacry experience showed: Windows pirated versions are subject to additional security risks. How really things are currently

Microsoft has told how business will be dealt with pirate copies of Windows 10

As you know, the new version of the Windows operating system at number 10 will be released this summer. Not so long ago, Microsoft representatives declared that up to 10 versions would be able to update for free of charge not only the holders of licensed copies, but also pirated.

But not everything is so rosy, as stated. The head of the development of Windows Terry Maerson, disclosed details about who and how can go to a new 10 version.

How are things really going at the moment?

As for the owners of licensed Windows 7 and 8.1, they will be able to go (update) on the 10th version completely free. That is, they will be available absolutely all new features and services of the new system, during the support of this device - more accurately, which specifically it means until they explained.

Well, before pirate copies ...

The previously promised free transition to them is now forbidden, they are still illegal without any rights. Now, using unlicensed Windows 10, a watermark will be depicted on the desktop, which reports that this version of the system is illegal.

Especially Microsoft representatives are asked to pay attention to the purchase of new devices on which such a copy of Windows can be installed.

The status of a pirated copy of the OS is that it will not receive any service updates. The only thing Microsoft can offer owners of such copies This transition to a new licensed 10 version on very favorable conditions may be about the reduced price.

More about some other restrictions in the pirated copy of Windows 10 was not said

Under very favorable conditions, most likely, a paid transition to Windows 10 is understood. (Introductionary article Overview of Windows 10) The possible amount is not yet announced, but judging by the company's assurances, it will be small and quite acceptable. This can also be judged by Microsoft recently received information from Microsoft, that the future release of the Windows 10 operating system will become the last.

That is, it will operate on the principle of online service, with timely updates and improvements. Plus a subscription will appear (again, as in online services, it is necessary to somehow monetize this OS). This is quite explained, since it is announced by the continuous improvement of this OS.

As you can see, Microsoft has not kept his promises to go to a new operating system for all. But this is partly explained by the possible advent of a paid subscription. Plus, the amount for pirated versions holders is promised attractive.

It is difficult to hide surprise and interest in the new distribution scheme and support for the new OS from Microsoft. Inexpensive paid subscription is now one of the most common schemes for accessing various services and programs. Such an example is the popular video hosting YouTube, which also gradually introduces it.

In terms of activity (our masters including) often have to hear the question: "What is the difference between licensed Windows OS from pirated (Windows without a given license separately)?

What are valid differences between the presence of a license and its absence?
Why installing Windows with a license costs the user more expensive than a version with a trial period (Free Evaluation Copy)?
What is the so-called Windows operating system assemblies distributed via the Internet, which is the difference from the original image?

Questions are not quite obvious, and in this article we will try to consider them.

To begin with, consider the concept of a license for the Windows operating system

So, when buying a licensed installation disk for money, a Windows activation is provided with the media itself.

In addition, you have a sticker on the system unit or laptop, to confirm the purchased product.

If you do not have a drive or for some other reason you do not want to use the installation via the disk, you can download the image of the operating system from the Microsoft website and install through the USB flash drive (if you have an OEM version, i.e. pre-installed on a PC or laptop by the manufacturer, then you will not be able to download the image of the system). Even if you purchased a license online, you must get a key with a key and a sticker.

At the time of writing the article, the price of Windows 10 is an average of from 300 BYN (approximately 150 y.e).

I want to make a little refinement. By purchasing the operating system you buy only Windows itself.

There are no drivers in it (they will need to download from the manufacturer's website), office package (it must be purchased from Microsoft separately), or use the free analogue of OpenOffice, LibreOffice.

The price of the office begins from 250 BYN (approximately in the amount of 130 y.e).

With a license, it seems to be clear, the main thing is not to provide your key, because Otherwise, he will be charged and blocked!

In general, for Windows 7 there is a command to reset the trial period (it can be used three times) that in the amount will be 120 days. Those. Whole this period you can use the official system with all updates.

A command for resetting the SLMGR -REARM trial to enter without any quotes to the command line (must be launched with administrator rights).

Now let's talk about other Windows activation methods

If you download images from the official Microsoft website (yes it is possible, without even the product key), then they do not differ from the officially acquired operating system - this is a fact.

The only difference is that you do not have a key to activate, so you can enjoy Windows only a trial period (from 90 to 120 days). Then should follow either the purchase of a license, or a new pure installation of the OS with the formatting of the system partition (C: \\ disk).

It is not very convenient, but on your computer installed a constantly original version without the use of various tricks. It turns out that you can use a completely legally official version of Windows without buying a license you can 3-4 months.

Windows activation, depending on the OS version, can occur as a key (very popular in Windows XP) and through third-party software.

Even when the key is activated, after installing the updates, a message may appear again that you use not the original version of Windows, because Some updates are a license verification.

Another way - with KMS (Key Management Server - Key Management Service). The KMS server is activated using a special VLC key (KMS Host Key) and "distributes" licenses for machine-clients.
This activation method is used in corporate networks, where there are many cars and activation by each hand will take a large amount of time. This is a completely legal way to activate Windows for business (not to be confused with pirate KMS activators that walk on the Internet).

The craftsmen were able to adapt it for home use. In the case of this method, you will have to make re-activation every 180 days. You can do this in manual or automatic mode using the Windows job scheduler. As a rule, activators task for repeated activations are prescribed automatically.

With licenses, we figured out. In the cases described above, the system differs only by the activation method. You should not forget about the updates of the system - they can be turned off, but in this case the high probability of the computer infection with the virus (for example, the recent Wannacry virus works only on the operating system where the MS17-010 patch is not installed).

What is the assembly of the operating system and what can be their danger?

If there are little 3-4 months, but I don't want to buy a license (there is no money, there is no desire, "we are so accustomed").

Windows assemblies downloaded from the Internet - this is the alteration of the original image of Windows "for yourself", or "under the user" with subsequent reverse packaging (RePack).

Pros of such assemblies: Almost all current updates on the operating system are installed, sews a C ++ package that is needed to correctly use a series of programs (including skype) DLL libraries, frameworks, and so on, as well as in one image there is a set of multiple editions of the system ( From Windows XP to 10).

Cons: The first and most important minus - the end user does not know what else was added to the system assembly.
For example, there may be a program to send your personal data to the attacker's computer and this is not only your passwords from the post office and "contact" and "classmates."
Since now quite a lot of things are paid with a bank card, then its data you will give an attacker.
In addition, there is an intervention in system operating system system files, which sometimes leads to incorrect work and failures in the system, although almost all changes are carried out by Windows.

So, summarize. Since our team pursues primarily the interests of ordinary users, not a specific company, we suggest familiarizing yourself with our objective assessment.

Objective pluses of licensed windows:

There will be no update problems;
The opportunity to update for free to the new version of Windows (for versions of Windows 7 and older);
Round-the-clock support from Microsoft;
Clean system without interference

Cons Licenses:

The most important is a very high license price (not everyone is ready to give so much money to buy only Windows and office);
Even using the original version, problems are possible with the operation of the system (incorrectly installed drivers and software)

Pros and cons renewal of the test period of Windows

Pros:

The same as a license

Minuses:

The same as a license;
Regardless not a long period of use

Pros and cons of the so-called Windows assemblies

Pros:

+ Update at the time of the output of most components

Minuses:

The same as a license;
Unstable work possible;
The likelihood of setting malware

Hi Admin! I appeal to you as a friend, you need advice. I study in the ninth grade. Parents bought me a laptop with Windows 10, in general, I am satisfied with them, it turns out that Win 10 is my second operating system, before that I used an old computer with Windows XP. But I really want to try Windows 7, I do not know her at all. Our informatory in school says Win 7: more beautiful, easier to manage, configure, and most importantly, there is no unnecessary on the desktop of the metro interface, but the question is where to download it?

On the official website, Microsoft is distributed only, which means the choice is not great, there are only torrents, but again, various builds are distributed on torrents, that is, modified (changed by craftsmen) Images of this Windows 7, I do not want to establish myself On a laptop instead of Windows 10, the original Windows 7 is professional and to use her month, if everything they say about the "seven" truth, then I honestly get it in the online store. If Win 7, I won't like it, I will stay at my Windows 10.

I understand that links to the jump in operating systems on such solid sites as your gift is not accepted, but help at least distinguish the real Microsoft original image of Windows 7 or Windows 10 from non-original (pirate assembly), tell me in your own words what is the difference between the pirate assembly of Windows 7, 8.1, 10 from the licensed Windows 7, 8.1, 10,what is changed there ? Why do you advise all users in the comments to attach precisely the original images from Microsoft?
And the last two questions how exactly the assemblies of Windows 7 operating systems are created, 8.1, 10, as the image is sized and how it is going?
Why do you not download Windows 10 with your knowledge with your knowledge, and went into a simple store and bought licensed Windows 8.1 Professional 64-bit Rus (OEM) in the box, and then wrote about this article?

Sorry for so many questions, I'm just wondering everything connected with computers and I honestly do not want to steal anything, I just want to understand everything. You have a very good site, constantly go to him, thank you very much for the answers.

Sincerely, Maxim!

In the same article, I will answer your other questions. Lee, a simple computer master not to know that the original Windows is better non-original. For many years I have so much reared the abnormal and shoal assemblies, which came up with the score.

I agree, not all assemblies are bad, but I do not care for the original. Why? I will give a simple example of comparison, maybe a little unsuccessful, but I think the essence you will understand.

You came to the store for Jeans Levi "S, and you suddenly offer free jeans another firm, personally I don't even agree for free, but suddenly they will break at the most inopportune moment right on the street, so I need original jeans from Levi" S, Windows From Microsoft, the processor from Intel, and the cartoon "Well, wait" from Vyacheslav Kothenochka. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but still it worked.

The original view and state of Windows in such assemblies rarely when savedAfter all, it is also an assembly to have any differences from the original and other system assemblies. Windows-laid out on the Internet builds from enthusiasts is the results of their experiments, where they remove or disconnect some system functionality, you pre-install certain settings, implement third-party software products, modify the system interface.

From the number of system settings and functional it can be:

1. Disable account control.

2. Disable paging file

3. Removing unused service equipment at home.

4. Remove the Metro functional in Windows 8 and 8.1, deleting the hibernation mode, etc.

5. Windows assemblies are often equipped with preset programs, and after installing the system on the desktop, labels are already ready to start the browser, uninstaller, system optimizer, Microsoft Office applications and other useful software.

6. Third-party themes of decoration, gadgets on the desktop, informers and other not so much useful as a beautiful trifle modifies the fashionable Windows design.

Implementation into the system concerning the improvement of its design is particularly approved by newcomers in the comments to the Internet distribution of Windows builds.

If you hit the Windows assembly, in the description of which the enthusiast mentioned his personal testing, you are big lucky. The collectors are not always before displaying the Internet check their creations for performance. After all, if there will be some problems during the installation or operation of such assemblies, users will definitely disappear in the comments. And only then the collector accepted to solve the problem.

Sometimes Windows build can go in Live CD format, as in the case of Linux distributions. Such a Live CD contain a menu in which you can select the installation of Windows, and you can use the proposed programs to resuscate the system or operational Internet access.

Building Windows "Relinted" from the need to pay money for the use of the system, in fact, why are called pirates. Some builds are installed with the already implemented serial key and are automatically activated, and some are provided after the system is setting the presence of the activator utility on the desktop that the user needs to be started manually. Windows assemblies may not contain an embedded serial number, not automatically activated, may not even have an activator on the desktop. In this case, the activator utility can be downloaded separately (very often precisely because of the activator curves and the operating system boot).

Who and why lay out Windows assemblies on the Internet for free?

And who are these enthusiasts? And what is their benefit? Why do they spend their time and use accustomed skills to then distribute the results of their works for free?

In many cases, they drive the need for its own development and the ability to test their developments in terms of feedback from users. Often, this is the usual desire to boast of its technical literacy and collect around themselves the audience, which will be thanked, ask questions - in general, increase self-esteem.

Note: Friends, if you are smart, educated and talented, spend better forces to create a real operating system, which would be a standing alternative to Windows from Microsoft!

Of course, Windows collectors can be conventional fraudsters that initially implement malicious codes into the system for the purpose of profit. These moments must be checked in the comments to the Internet premises of Windows assemblies - does anyone affect this claim.

Advantages and disadvantages of pirate Windows assemblies

Click the left mouse to enlarge the image

The use of patches to change the system interface and the introduction of third-party software theoretically can negatively affect the stability of the system. But this is a very conditional lack of Windows pirate assemblies - after all, you can choose an assembly where patches are not used to change the system interface. However, users love various designs, and do not particularly worry about the effects of patches for the integrity and performance of the system.

Programs pre-installed in the assembly is rather the advantage of the system, rather than the disadvantage, even with the condition that the collectors are usually completed with the program set, based on their representations. And often, along with multimedia software for beginners in the Windows assembly, you can meet an advanced system resource monitoring manager or a utility for measuring the voltage and temperature on each of the processor cores. However, unnecessary programs can be easily removed from the system, and the necessary - leave, without spending time on their search on the Internet, download and install.

All of the above disadvantages, conditional disadvantages, imperfections and other little things are leveled by two main advantages of pirate assemblies - this is free use of any version of Windows, any editorial board and a huge variety of assembly selection, unlike a standard Microsoft set.

Microsoft has published the results of a study of the security of counterfeit distributions of a Windows OS, conducted in early 2011 by Group IB. Experts analyzed unlicensed copies of Microsoft operating system - Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
About 25% of disks with counterfeit copies of the Windows operating system contain malicious programs, installed Group-IB experts. According to their data, 12.5% \u200b\u200bof carriers also contains malicious codes designed to theft of personal user data.

Scanning the distribution, and subsequently, and the version of the software product installed from it was carried out by anti-virus means of several manufacturers. This method enhanced the likelihood of malware detection. Each software product was analyzed by experts as for the presence of malicious code and overall performance. The study underwent unlicensed copies of the operating system accessible to Russian users through the main distribution channels: in unauthorized points of sales on physical media (DVD, CD) and on the Internet (torrents and file sharing).
According to the study, 94% of all pirated distributions contain mechanisms for managing the activation of Windows software products, potentially negatively affecting the stability of the system. In addition, in 7% of all studied copies of operating systems, software was detected directly intended for theft of passwords and other personal data.
In 96% of Windows operating systems available for download from torrents and file sharing, the original code is changed - the software activation is implemented, which indicates the presence of undesirable or malicious software. Viruses and Trojans are present in 6% of the installation files. Most of the detected viruses and Trojans can be used to theft of personal data. Interestingly, 29% of non-license-free copies of Windows available for downloading on file hosting were not inoperable.

If you purchased a counterfeit copy of Windows in unauthorized points of sales, the danger of becoming a victim of malicious software and actually voluntarily inform the personal information to third parties increases several times. Each fourth (25%) from the discus-verified discs contained malicious software, and 12.5% \u200b\u200bof the disks included programs for the victim of passwords and user data. It is noteworthy that the CDs purchased in the three Moscow markets, in some cases provided by the Windows Beta versions.
"Recently, Russian users have more intensively use their computers to solve a wide range of everyday tasks, often trusting them with the most intimate information, including, for example, access to their bank accounts. This causes a large temptation from a different kind of fraudsters and criminals using malware to gain access to these data, "says Denis GUZ, head of the department for the promotion of licensed Microsoft in Russia. - One of the common methods of implementing these criminal ideas, as a study shows, is unlicensed software with its extensive network of implementation and millions of potential victims. Microsoft informs users about the risks that they carry by installing programs from dubious sources on their computers. This is especially true for the operating system, which turns out to be on the computer before any third-party security tools are installed, even after their installation, it is not always possible to recognize the problems in the initially modified system. "
Based on the research materials, the Group-IB experts classified species and methods for placing potential threats arising from the use of pirated distributions:
malicious software built into distribution;
Malicious software built into activation means;
The presence of a code that is not defined as malicious, antivirus programs, but potentially carrying out unauthorized actions in the system.
Special attention researchers are drawn to the following circumstance: the lack of explicit threats with a preliminary check of the distribution to the antivirus does not guarantee that after installation there will be no earlier malicious programs. At the same time, the testing of the installed OS anti-virus means will not always be able to identify the presence of malicious or undesirable software. Consequently, counterfeit software always contains a high level of threat to the user.
"A regular independent examination of software to comply with licensing requirements allows you to identify existing information security threats in time," said Ilya Sachkov, General Director of GROUP-IB. - Piracy inflicts financial damage not only to copyright holders, but also to users. In 60% of incidents that our experts investigated, it was non-license for one of the main reasons for compromising the system and the embezzlement of funds. " The most optimal way out for those who do not want to buy a Windows license is