Win2k SP3, the 'snooper' licence, and the workaround
by Volker Weber
We've had quite a few emails from Windows 2000 Service Pack refuseniks who propose not to go anywhere near SP3 on the grounds that the installation insists you agree to the new-look Microsoft 'snooper's charter' supplementary licence in order to apply it. The critical clauses seem to be becoming standard for Microsoft products, and although they can be presented as helpful/necessary for updates, they could also be used for DRM purposes, and provide cover for more widespread snooping.
Naturally, you wouldn't expect a trustworthy company like Microsoft to abuse the rights it's unilaterally giving itself by deigning to fix the product it's already sold you under less onerous terms, would you? Have a think about it while you read through these two paragraphs:
