Reality Check | Ephraim Schwartz | InfoWorld | Installation difficulties with Windows LIve: Is it just me? | September 5, 2007 02:40 PM

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Installation difficulties with Windows LIve: Is it just me?

September 05, 2007 | Comments: (0)

Installation difficulties with Windows LIve: Is it just me?

Okay, so it is nice to write about Windows Live and opine on whether or not they are playing catch up.

I could also cite all of Microsoft's past victories where they came from behind only to obliterate their competitors.

But before I do that has anyone out there actually tried to downloaded Window Live?

I'm asking because I tried and found it quite confusing. For example, I didn’t want to add Microsoft's Hotmail to my account, I already have three emails but there seemed to be no other choice if I wanted a user ID for Live.

But if I did that would it make Hotmail my default email and what problems might that cause?

So, like so many times before when a service or program has piqued my curiosity I ended up abandoning it, afraid of the consequences to my delicate system.

I know I'm opening myself up to abuse but is anyone out there as lame as I am?

Posted by Ephraim Schwartz on September 5, 2007 02:40 PM

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If you just want to install selected services, then you don't need a Windows Live ID.
But if you want to publish from Photo Gallery to your Live Spaces (say), then you do need one (an existing Hotmail / MSN id will do).
Also, please differentiate between Windows Live Hotmail (web-based) vs. Windows Live Mail (a desktop email client, the successor to Outlook Express, which can be used to download any POP3 email account).

Posted by: Techie at September 5, 2007 05:53 PM

Posted by: Techie at September 5, 2007 05:54 PM

You are not alone. My children insist on using MSN Messenger, so I had to use the above e-mail just to be allowed to use this IM client. Microsoft is just up to it's same tactics as with windows. Integrate to the point that everything require everything. That is why I have nothing but Linux at home.

Posted by: Steven Leach at September 7, 2007 11:17 AM

Ephraim,

You are not lame. Only reasonably cautious. Quite frankly, I consider Microsoft software almost as hazardous to my computing experience as the trojans and virus out in the wild. If you use Microsoft software wide open, to get the most integrated, enjoyable experience out of it, your machine won't last more than five minutes. So you start clamping down. Turn off active X, don't use exchange, don't use MS Office, don't use Internet Explorer, put in an independent firewall, put in independent spyware, put in independent adware, put in independent virus checker, don't download MS critical patches that disguise stuff like WGA that arbitrarily decides your legally purchased software that came with the computer is a pirated copy, phones home and alerts the BSA, identifying you by your IP address don't you know.

Wait a minute, they haven't implemented the BSA notification and tracking by IP address. YET.

Do all that, and just maybe you can keep your Widows system reasonably clean.

I haven't tried Widows Live or installed Silverlight, and I won't be. Perhaps I'll be left in the dark when MLB et all go with the MS flow. So be it.

Posted by: gostak at September 17, 2007 06:33 AM

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