The Register: Win2k SP3 live tomorrow, but downloadable today. 124 MB. Some excerpts from the fine print, dedicated to those who get warm fuzzies from proprietary software (not to be confused with commercial software):
SUPPLEMENTAL END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE
…
Additional Rights and Limitations.
- With respect to the OS Components only, if the licensor of the applicable OS Product was an entity other than Microsoft, then for the purposes of this Supplemental EULA Microsoft will be the licensor with respect to such OS Components in lieu of the “Manufacturer” or other entity and support, if any, for such OS Components shall not be provided by Manufacturer. With respect to the existing functionality contained in the applicable OS Product which is not updated, supplemented, or replaced by the OS Components, the EULA for the OS Product shall remain in full force and effect as to that OS Product.
- If you choose to utilize the update features within the OS Product or OS Components, it is necessary to use certain computer system, hardware, and software information to implement the features. By using these features, you explicitly authorize Microsoft or its designated agent to access and utilize the necessary information for updating purposes. Microsoft may use this information solely to improve our products or to provide customized services or technologies to you. Microsoft may disclose this information to others, but not in a form that personally identifies you.
- The OS Product or OS Components contain components that enable and facilitate the use of certain Internet-based services. You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may automatically check the version of the OS Product and/or its components that you are utilizing and may provide upgrades or fixes to the OS Product that will be automatically downloaded to your computer.
- If you have multiple validly licensed copies of the applicable OS Product(s), you may reproduce, install and use one copy of the OS Components as part of such applicable OS Product (s) on all of your computers running validly licensed copies of the OS Product(s) provided that you use such additional copies of the OS Components in accordance with the terms and conditions above. Microsoft, its subsidiaries and/or suppliers retain all right, title and interest in and to the OS Components. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Microsoft, its subsidiaries and/or suppliers.
The EULA then continues in French. Really.
Update: installed and rebooted. Most obvious change: the addition of the court-ordered Set Program Access and Defaults
within the Add/Remove Programs control panel. Looks like this:
Choose a default program for the computer activities listed below and specify which programs are shown in the Start Menu, desktop, and other locations.
Choose a default web browser:
- [X] Use my current web browser
- [ ] Internet Explorer
Choose a default e-mail program:
- [X] Use my current e-mail program
- [ ] Outlook Express
Choose a default media player:
- [X] Use my current media player
- [ ] Windows Media Player
Choose a default instant messaging program …
Choose a default virtual machine for Java …
Update #2: Windows Update appears to be broken. It checks for updates, then gives me a friendly-looking message, Windows Update Error: Windows Update has encountered an error and cannot display the requested page.
It worked recently. Not sure if it worked immediately before installing the service pack, but it’s definitely broken now. Is this related to those rumors of Microsoft intentionally breaking Windows Update for pirated copies of Windows? I’m using a totally legal copy of Windows 2000 (installed from an original disc from an MSDN subscription pack).
I re-installed Internet Explorer just for good measure, with underwhelming results (PNG, 55K):
The software you are about to install does not contain a Microsoft digital signature. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this software works correctly with Windows.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5
If you want to search for Microsoft digitally signed software, visit the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to see if one is available.
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