The importance of antispyware (Danger of spyware)

Nowadays almost everybody has a computer at home. And almost everyone of them had problems with computer threats. Maybe there were some virus or some spyware on your PC, but still it’s inevitable to have problems with security.

Everyone that has computer and Internet at home, has anti-virus installed (or must have). But it’s not a solution for complete security. Anti-virus can protect you from worm and virus - parasites that damage your computer system. Spyware and adware is another problem, that can’t be solved with anti-virus, because spyware doesn’t damage your computer system, it only tracks your actions and habits on Internet. Adware is a software for advertising, so it’s not for system wrecking.

Of course you can live without anti-spyware, but it may cost a lot. Let’s say a hijacker gets into your PC. Your browser settings are changed, you’re flooded with pop-up ads. With those pop-ups you might get some serious spyware. It may track your e-mail and passwords. If it’s your personal e-mail, only for friends, then maybe it’s not so scary. But if it’s your account for business purposes and for work. You get e-mail spam. It’s even possible that spam e-mails will be sent to your business partners and your chief from your mail account. I guess it would make some troubles.

Spyware can even cause such things as your arrest. Yes you can become a criminal even without knowing it. It might be cause by identity theft. Spyware tracks all your personal information, like name, last name, address, credit card number, etc. When third parties get this information, they can commit a crime under your name and you will be punished. Also this information used for carding or phishing. Your credit card will get empty in few hours and you will receive a check to pay thousand dollars.

Money also can run out with the help of dialers. They use your phone number for their profit. You receive report about calls to some island that you’ve never known, and bill for those calls are thousands of dollars.

So spyware is a threat for your privacy and a great threat. This may happen to anyone, who uses Internet and doesn’t have anti-spyware. Anti-virus programs will not detect any dealers, cardings, or spam. It’s very important to have good anti-spyware on your PC to ensure your privacy.

Star Downloader Free 1.45

Star Downloader is a download manager that accelerates your downloads by splitting the files into several parts and downloading them simultaneously. Download speeds are increased further by choosing the fastest mirror sites.

You may automatically resume broken downloads if your connection is lost or if your computer accidentally shuts down. With the scheduler, you can download files at certain times of the day. Star Downloader may also automatically connect to your ISP and hang-up upon completion of downloads.

To help you organize and manage your downloads there is an advanced category system and an integrated unzipping utility can automatically unzip and install downloaded files. Star Downloader also integrates with your antivirus program to automatically scan files upon completion of the download.

Star Downloader supports FTP and HTTP. Proxy is also supported.

The clean and simple interface of Star Downloader and the multilingual support for over 50 languages makes it easy for everyone to use!

download here

ImTOO MPEG Encoder v3.1

ImTOO MPEG Encoder, MPEG converter to convert video files AVI, MPEG, FLV, DivX, WMV, MP4, MOV, PSP MPEG-4, iPod MPEG-4, Apple TV video, 3GP, etc., is a versatile video converter which can convert AVI to MPEG, convert WMV to MPEG, convert 3GP video as AVI MPEG converter, WMV MPEG converter, 3GP video converter. It also provides easy ways to extract audio from video, convert among all audio formats like MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, M4A, etc.

download here

Nero 8

Nero 8 description
The Ultimate Solution for your Digital Life

Using Nero 8 Ultra Edition you can now create and edit, convert and share, rip and burn, backup and protect your digital media, all from one easy-to-use interface!

New and Improved Features
· New easy-to-use and intuitive NeroStartSmart
· One-click import and share to/from online communities
· Playback on AVCHD and Blu-ray (BD-AV) video
· Backup files to CDs, DVDs, HD DVDs and Blu-Ray discs
· Convert DVD files to play on your iPod or PSP and other portable devices
· Optimized for Windows Vista

download here

PCSX2 (PlayStation 2 Emulator)

PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows and Linux, started by the same team that brought you PCSX (a Sony PlayStation 1 emulator).

The PCSX2 project attempts to allow PS2 code to be executed on your computer, thus meaning you can put a PS2 DVD or CD into your computers drive, and boot it up!

The project has been running for a little over four years now, and since it's initial release has grown in compatibility. From initially just being able to run a few public domain demos, it's current state enables many games to boot and actually go in game, such as the 'famous' Final Fantasy X or Devil May Cry 3.



PS2 Emulation is a complex task, far worse than emulating a console from the previous generation (PlayStation1, N64, Saturn), simply due to the CPU power required to get 'playable' speeds from a PS2 game under emulation. Whilst speed can be improved via various 'recompilers' (eeREC and vuREC, Emotion Engine recompiler and Vector Unit CPU recompiler respectively), you will still need the latest and most powerfull machine you can get your hands on to even break the 30 FPS mark.

The PCSX2 project is Open Source (GPL) and keeps an active SVN (SubVersion). We encourage geniune attempts to improve the code, in terms of compatibility, new features, optimisation, and encourage plugin authors to write graphics, sound, cdvd, controller plugins.

PCSX2 was initially started by shadow, linuzappz and saqib, but since then more coders have joined the team, bringing their unique expertise with them. The development team now consists of:

• auMatt: Works on the CDVD and main functions of PCSX2.
• Florin: Coder for many of PCSX2's key aspects.
• GoldFinger: The man behind PCSX2's first recompiler.
• Linuzappz: Previous project leader and responsible for vast amounts of PCSX2's code.
• Refraction: Working on IOP timings and general fixes.
• Saqib: The project leader, GS developer, IPU coder, and developer of numerous other aspects of PCSX2.
• Shadow: Second in command, works on all aspects of the project.
• Zerofrog: Re-writing the recompiler, general fixes and new features.
  

We have now also aquired a strong team of plugin coders, ranging from Gabest - GSdx9 a Graphics plugin using D3D, Pete - Of P.E.Op.S. fame, providing CDVD and SPU2 plugins, GiGaHeRz - Providing us with a nice SPU2 plugin, etc.

No project would get far off the ground without beta testers, and this project has a wide range of hand picked testers, chosen for experience, technical know-how, range of games, resources etc

Many of the betatesters have been with the project since the beginning, and have not only learnt extreme patience, but work closely together on a daily basis. Testing hundreds of games repeatedly and sending detailed reports with in depth analysis; the betatesting team ensure that the development team get all the information they need to improve PCSX2.

To name some of the testers, we have:

• Belmont: New tester, but with a vast games collection, and hard working.
• Bositman: Tester also for three years, and highly experienced
• CKemu: Tester for three years, and site/logo designer.
• ChaosCode: New Tester for the team, and a damn fine one.
• Falcon4ever: Tester since the beginning, and responsible for this sites PHP.
• GeneralPlot: New Tester for the team, totally insane, with hundreds of games.
• Nachbrenner: Tester and patch making guru.
• Parotaku: Long time tester, with a great deal of knowledge.
• Prafull: Long time tester, and slighty nuts.
• Raziel: Tester, and great resource of information.
• Rudy_X: Dedicated tester, with a beast of a machine to work with.
  

PCSX2 is a complex program, but thanks to it's plugin system and GUI, not impossible to use, even if you are relatively new to emulation. PCSX2 does however require a real PS2 BIOS to run. However, you must obtain this from your own PS2, as the BIOS binary is �SONY and cannot be distributed with PCSX2 as this would be highly illegal. This is perhaps the only technical thing you will have to do to get PCSX2 running games, but there are guides and tools out there to help you do this (see the downloads section for tools).

It is the aim of the development team to eventually make PCSX2 compatible with all PS2 games, and all PS2 features (including the backwards support for PS1 games).

Whilst PCSX2 is capable of playing 'backups', it is not the intention of the authors to provide a means to play illegaly copied games. It is however the intention of the authors to let you play (once hardware is capable) PS2 games on your PC's, with the enhancements emulation allows, such as save-states, high resolution graphics, infinte memory cards, cross-region support etc.



PCSX2 is a 'free' program, that is made simply because the developers enjoy it as a hobby, and as a technical challenge. You are extremely lucky they let you play around with the WIP releases, and whilst we love feedback, and suggestions, the team owe you nothing, so don't whine for a new release, ask illegal questions (such as "Where can I find an ISO or BIOS?"), and don't complain if X or Y game doesn't work. This emulator is in the early stages of development, and is far from complete.

If you use PCSX2 and have success with a game, please share screenshots, and what you did in the official forums. We're always pleased to see results from this emulator, and the team hope you find it fun and interesting to use.

For more info visit:

http://www.pcsx2.net/

Hackes Secret Codes of Nokia Mobiles With Abhinav

Below we present secret codes of nokia mobile phones which are very useful for people who unlock phones and for amateurs of this topic. These special key sequences entered from keyboard of phone allow you to get some important information like IMEI number, release date, software version and much more enjoying with Abhinav (hacker of the World).

Nokia 2110 Secrets

*#06# for checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
To view Week and Year of manufacture enter *#3283# [*# D A T E #]
The last two digits are the year. If the year is 95, the first two digits are the month. For 96 the first two digits are the week of the year.

To view the software version on 2110e / 2110i enter *#170602112302# or *#9999#
On newer phones, the code has been changed to *#682371158412125#

All Nokia phones (2110 and newer) have four different SIM locks which can be used to lock the phone for up to 4 different providers. But most phones with restriction only have one lock activated. (Lock 1)

The main code used in Nokia phones is :
#pw+(master code)+Y#
This code is able to check, activate or remove Sim card restriction (SP-lock).
Use the * key to get the p, + and w chars.
Y has to be 1,2,3 or 4 - depending of what lock you what to deal with.

#pw+1234567890+1# for Provider-Lock status
#pw+1234567890+2# for Network-Lock status
#pw+1234567890+3# for Country-Lock status
#pw+1234567890+4# for SimCard-Lock status

# = DOUBLE-CROSS
W = PRESS “*” THREE TIMES
P = PRESS “*” FOUR TIMES
+ = PRESS “*” TWO TIMES
MASTERCODE = 1234567890
Y = NUMBER 1 TO 4

(master code) is a 10 digit code, based on the phones IMEI number.

Eg. To remove restriction on lock 1 type following code:
#pw+(master code)+1#
If you just want to check your phone use 10 random numbers Eg. 1234567890 as the (master code)
eg. To check if phone if restricted on lock 1 type the following code:
#pw+1234567890+1#

Bypass the SP lock With a Nokia 16xx/21xx/31xx/51xx/81xx

1. Insert SIM card of different provider.
2. Turn on the phone and press the UP VOLUME key for 3 sec.
Then release it and the phone says PIN CODE?
3. Press the “C” key.
4. Then Press * and wait until it disappears and appears again, then press * one more time and 04*PIN*PIN*PIN#

The phone now says: PIN CODE CHANGED (or ACCEPTED) and the SIM card is accepted until you restart the phone again.
NOTE: On version 5.04 Nokia has removed this option !

Cell-sites
To enable display of cell-site names, [MENU] 4-9-1

Received calls
To see received calls. Same As menu options (012)
Enter : * then Memory then Find or * then the down arrow Missed calls

To see missed calls
Same as menu option (01 3)
Enter : + then Memory then Find or + then the down arrow

DTMF tones
Pressing Menu, then Green Phone button allows you to transmit DTMF tones

Car kit Programming
If you use a car kit with handsfree AND additional handset, and you want to switch from handset to handsfree: Press the left menu button, and put the additional handset on hook. Now you are on handsfree.

Nokia 3310 , 3315 , 3330 Secrets

Note : All secrets mentioned below have been tested working on Nokia 3310.
Most (perhaps all !) of them, would work on the Nokia 3315 And Nokia 3330.

To See IMEI Number : Press *#06# in Idle mode.

Pressing *#0000# will take you to a special display which shows…

1. Software Version
2. Some Date (Most probably the date of software release)
3. ??

The x# Trick

By pressing x# (where x is any number upto 100) will show the telephone number stored in location x. For example, pressing 5# in idle mode will show the 5th number you stored when you entered the numbers in your phone-book.

Pressing *#92702689# will take you to a new menu with 6 options :

1. Serial Number Of Your Phone.
2. Month And Year Of Manufacture (In format MMYY).
3. Purchasing date. You can only set this once.
4. Enables phone for data transfer if you have all the necessary equipment.
5. Life Timer - ??

To exit the menu, switch off the phone and then back on.

Special Character Trick

While composing an SMS, you would often require to key in some special characters. The entire list of available characters is made available by pressing and holding the * key. Further, you can go down directly instead of going horizontally by pressing #.

Wake Me Up !

Some pre-paid card networks allow the option of “Balance On Screen” facility that displays the remaining credit and validity on the screen. When you go to sleep, set the alarm as usual and then return to idle mode. Now, request for a “balance on screen”. Let the balance screen remain and you doze-off to sleep. When the alarm rings as per the set-time, every key will act as the “Snooze” key. The alarm will pause for a certain while but it won t stop ringing

1610/1630

*#170602112302# (software version)

1610/1611

IMEI number: -*# 0 6 #
Software version: -* # 1 7 0 6 0 2 1 1 2 3 9 2 #
Simlock status: - # 9 2 7 0 2 6 8 9 #

2110

*#9999# (software version)

2110i/2110e

*#170602112302# or (depends on model)*#682371158412125# (software version)

NOKIA3110

*#06# -IMEI

*#3110# -Software version

##002# - allows to turn off voice mail.

*#7780# - restore factory settings

*#746025625#(or *#sim0clock#) - to check if clock of sim (SIM-Clock) can be stopped (SIM-Clock-stop is akind of standby mode which saces battery)

*#92702689# (or *#war0anty#) -”warranty code:”- you have to enter one of the following codes:

6232 (OK)displays month and year of production date (ie “0198?)

7332 (OK) - displays date of last repair - if there is (ie. “DATE NOT SAVED”)

7832 (OK) - displays date of purchase - if there is (ie. “DATE NOT SAVED”)

9268 (OK) -displays serial number

37832 (OK) -sets purchase date in format MMYY (MM - month, YY - year)- attention: you can set it only once, so beware !

87267 (OK)-displays message “Confirm Transfer?” - meaning is unknown (?)

* # 9 2 7 0 2 6 8 9 # -Simlock info

*#31# (call) -sets if your phone no. will be hidden or not (works only in some networks)

*#76# (call) -sets if target phone number when you call should be displayed (works only in some networks)

*#77# (call) -(work s only in some networks)

*#33/35# (call -displays message “Service not active”.

**31# (call) -your no. will not be showed to others when you make a call

3210

*#06# -IMEI

*#0000# -software version

*#92702689# (or *#war0anty#)- enters service mode.

*3370# -Turns on sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

#3370# -Turns off sound encoding system Enhanced Full Rate .

*4720# -Turns on battery save mode - saves about 30 % of energy.

#4720# -Turns off battery save mode.

xx# -Replace xx with desired phonebook entry - press # and you will see it on display.

51XX

*#06# -IMEI

*#0000# - Software version

*#92702689#( or *#war0anty#) Enter service mode.

*3370# -Turns on sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

#3370# -Turns off sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

*4720# -Turns on battery
save mode - saves about 30 % of energy.

#4720# -Turns off battery save mode.

#pw+1234567890+1 -provider lock status

#pw+1234567890+2 -Network lock status

#pw+1234567890+3 -Provider lock status

#pw+1234567890+4 - SimCard lock status

NOKIA 61XX

*#06# -IMEI

*#0000# ; ;-*#99 99# (Nokia 6130)


*#92702689# (or *#war0anty#) Software versionEnter service mode.

*3370# -Turns on sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

#3370# -Turns off sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

*4720# -Turns on battery save mode - saves about 30 % of energy.

#4720# -Turns off battery save mode.

NOKIA8810

*#06# - IMEI

*#0000# -Software version

*#92702689# (or *#war0anty#) Enter service mode.

*3370# -Turns on sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

#3370# -Turns off sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

*4720# -Turns on battery save mode - saves about 30 % of energy

#4720# -Turns off battery save mode - saves about 30 % of energy

NOKIA99OO

*#06# -IMEI

*#682371158412125# -Software version

*#3283# -Displays week and year of manufacture, ie. 1497 means 14th week of 1997.

NOKIA 911O

*#06# IMEI


*#0000# SOFTWARE VERSION

*3370# Turns on sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

#3370# Turns off sound encoding system - Enhanced Full Rate.

*4720# Turns on battery save mode - saves about 30 % of energy.

#4720# Turns off battery save mode.

NOKIA 81XX

*#06# IMEI
*#8110# Software version
xx# Replace xx with desired phonebook entry - press # and you will see it on display

*#92702689# (or *#warOanty#)

* “Warranty code:” - you have to enter one of the following codes:

* 9268 (OK) displays IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identification)

* 6232 (OK) displays date of manufacture in format MMYY (MM - month, RR - year)

* 7832 (OK) displays date of purchase

* 7332 (OK) displays date of repair or upgrade

* 37832 (OK) sets date of purchase in format MMYY (MM - month, RR - year) - attention: you can set it only once, so beware !!!

* 87267 (OK) transmits user data/move data do service PC

Blaze Media Pro

Powerhouse all-in-one converter, burner, audio and video editing software for all popular audio and video formats...and much more! Some of the formats supported by the software's audio editing and video editing include MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV, and more.

Blaze Media Pro includes an audio and video converter, audio editing and video editing, video capture, audio recorder, data CD/DVD burner, audio CD burner, Video CD (VCD/SVCD) burner, audio CD copy, effects, media management, playlist, full-screen video support, and more all-in-one software application!

• Audio Capabilities
  • Audio editing, converter (MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, etc.), CD ripper, and merging
  • Extensive list of supported conversions
  • Convert bitrate and compression for audio formats, such as converting a MP3 from 128 kbps to 64 kbps. The software can adjust to lower as well as higher bitrates.
  • Provides a solution to convert DRM protected WMA files, convert protected AAC and M4P files, and convert OMA to MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG
  • Advanced audio CD burning from WAV, MP3, WMA, and OGG formats. Powerful, yet easy to use feature to burn CDs
  • Extract and save audio content of video files to sound files
  • Apply sound effects to audio files
  • Use the software's audio editing feature to record MIDI files, providing a solution to convert MIDI to MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, etc. The same can be used to convert DVD audio to MP3, WAV, WMA, or OGG.
  • Copy music CDs (copy audio CDs)
  • Record from line-in (cassette, LP, etc.), streaming audio, or any other source available on your system
  • All-in-one MP3 software solution (MP3 converter, MP3 encoder, MP3 decoder, MP3 ripper, CD burner, MP3 editor, MP3 recorder, MP3 player, and more).
  • MusicID audio recognition
  • Music Lyrics Search
  • Audio tag editing (ID3 tag editing and other meta data), and FreeDB support
  • Highly customizable, configurable, and user-friendly interface
• Video Capabilities
  • Batch Video Converter for AVI, MPG, WMV, MOV, and more
  • Convert AVI, MPG, and WMV video to Flash
  • Video CD (VCD/SVCD) burner
  • Video DVD Burner
  • Powerful digital video editing software for all popular video formats and an extensive list of video editing filters, effects, and video editing operations. The software's movie/video editing feature supports AVI, MPG (MPEG-1 and MPEG-2), WMV, and more
  • Compress video files, including AVI, MPEG, and WMV
  • Video creator (make a video from a sequence of image and audio files)
  • Video combining, and extraction
  • Video joiner for AVI, MPEG, WMV
  • All-in-one MPEG software solution (MPEG encoder, MPEG decoder, MPEG editor, MPEG VCD Burner, MPEG Converter, and more)
  • Batch video processing
  • Video capture feature that can capture from most TV tuners, web cams, and other video capture devices. This feature can be used in combination with a TV tuner or video capture card to capture video from DVD and save to AVI or WMV, for example.
  • Media management
  • Extract video frames to image files in batch mode. Supported formats include BMP, EMF, GIF, J2K, JPG, PCX, PNG, RAS, TGA, TIF, and WMF
  • Insert images into existing video files or create new videos from a collection of image files
  • Create video files from still frame images and other videos
  • Add audio to video files, replace existing audio in video files, delete audio from video files
  • Convert between PAL and NTSC video standards using the software's video converter feature
  • Add over 30 effects and color adjustment operations to your video for powerful enhancement and alternation
  • Video editing is available for AVI (uncompressed), AVI (compressed using any available codec), MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV, and ASF
  • You can use a comprehensive set of video editing operations: crop, delete frame, delete selection (video and/or audio), resize, rotate, mirror, flip, trim, adjust audio volume, and much more
  • Click supported conversions to see even more possibilities
• Combination Audio and Video Capabilities
  • Blaze Media Pro's unique Media Manager makes it easy to work with all your audio and video creations - playback at your fingertips. Even rename, copy, move, or tag files instantly.
  • Burn data CD/DVDs to safekeep your multimedia creations (or any other files)
  • ISO burner feature included with the Data CD/DVD burner
  • Create ISO files from CD/DVD layout
  • Insert audio files, such as WAV, WMA, and MP3, into video files
  • Extract audio from video files using the video editing feature or Extract Audio Content feature
  • Work with specific tracks, frames, or even a range of seconds
  • Audio and video editing for a complete all-in-one multimedia editing solution.
• Supported Conversions
  • CD to WAV, CD to MP3, CD to WMA, and CD to OGG
  • WAV, WMA, OGG, AIFF, VOX, MP2, MPC/+, G.72x, AU, and RAW to MP3
  • MP3, WMA, OGG, AIFF, VOX, MP2, MPC/+, G.72x, AU, and RAW to WAV
  • MP3, OGG, WAV, AIFF, VOX, MP2, MPC/+, G.72x, AU, and RAW to WMA
  • MP3, WMA, OGG, AIFF, VOX, MP2, MPC/+, G.72x, AU, and RAW to OGG
  • WAV/MP3/WMA/OGG to audio CD burning
  • WAV/MP3 Compression
  • Two-way video conversions among MPEG-1, MPEG-2, AVI, WMV, ASF, MOV, Multi-Page TIFF, and FLIC
  • MPEG conversion options available for VCD, SVCD, and DVD compliant output
• Configurable Interface
  • Intuitive design
  • Complete drag and drop features
  • Highly customizable options

download here

Earn 100 - 120 Dollors in Gizter

You should check out GIZter. It's a unique opportunity to have fun and then get paid!. It's free to join... I have tried it... I love it... I have to invite you!

Click on the link below to sign up on Gizter:

Click here to register

Sign Up, Have Fun, Get Paid!


How do you make $100-120 a month in Gizter?

So, how do you make $100-120 a month in Gizter?

The quick answer:

1. Invite 25 friends
2. Attract 30 visits to your pages everyday

Get Paid

The not-so-quick answer:

Gizter makes money by running Google ads. Those ads earn Gizter money two ways:

* whenever they are displayed
* whenever they are clicked

You see the Google ads on your pages? Gizter shares money from those ads with you. But that’s not all!

If you invite your friends to Gizter and they in turn invite their friends, you get a share of the money made on their pages.

This is why Step 1 is to invite your friends. You’d actually make more money here by sharing it. While there is no limit on the number of people you can invite ­– and that can only grow with time – for $100-120 a month you'd need 25. The math though needs for your 25 to each bring in 25 of their own, so prodding helps.
Step 2 is the fun part. Think about it, whose pages did you visit? Then check them with this list:

1. Your friends, new and old
2. Your upline/downline
3. Profile Pic is a picture, not just the default avatar
4. Logged in to Live Chat
5. Posted a blog
6. Left a comment on your blog
7. Posted a poll
8. Voted on your poll
9. Uploaded a picture
10. Left a comment on one of your pictures
11. Rated one of your pictures
12. Posted a topic in Forum
13. Posted a reply in Forum
14. You found under Recent Logins in Home Page
15. You found under Recent Pics in Home Page
16. You found under Recent Visitors, yours and others
17. Has a great-looking Profile Page
18. Has an informative Profile Page
19. Sent you a message
20. Sent you a ‘Friends Request’
21. Left you a comment
22. Sent you a Crush Alert!

Essentially, visits on your pages are tied to your friends and to how active you are here. These visits – by yourself and others – correspond to displays of the Google ads there. Moreover, with 30 visits you increase the chance of 3 of the ads on your pages clicked. (Note: Per Google guidelines, you’re not supposed to click on the ads on your own pages)

If you bring in 25 friends who bring in 25 friends, and everyone gets 30 visits and 3 clicks everyday, you’re on track to make $100-120 a month.

Microsoft offers IE7 to all, pirates included

Microsoft has released an update for Internet Explorer 7, dropping the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation for XP users. Users running pirated or counterfeit copies of Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 can now download IE7.

Previously only genuine copies of XP could download and install IE 7. Before Microsoft allows the browser to download, it runs the user's PC through a WGA validation test, a prime part of XP's anti-piracy software.

In a posting to a Microsoft company blog, Steve Reynolds, an IE program manager, explained the reason for the move: "Because Microsoft takes its commitment to help protect the entire Windows ecosystem seriously, we're updating the IE7 installation experience to make it available as broadly as possible to all Windows users." He added, "With today's 'Installation and Availability Update,' Internet Explorer 7 installation will no longer require Windows Genuine Advantage validation and will be available to all Windows XP users."

Microsoft has also made a few small changes to IE 7 including the default visibility of the menu bar and a new, more in-depth tour for first-time users.

download here