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Software Piracy, Vista SP1, Laptop Searches

Readers discuss a variety of issues, from a UK crackdown on piracy to U.S. Customs searching laptops.

Kellie Parker, PC World

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People who illegally download movies and music in the UK could have their Internet service cut off. Is this government censorship, or a legitimate way to stop software piracy? Join the discussion.

Have you installed Microsoft's Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista? Our tests show mixed performance results, but we're eager to hear what your experience has been. Tell us about your download and install--the good, bad, and ugly.

While lawsuits about laptop searches at U.S. borders are being filed, there are some things you need to know about crossing the border with your devices. Many readers say these searches are outrageous; share your thoughts on the issue.

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UK File Shares Could Lose Internet Access

g4acre says: More government censorship is not what this world needs. I hope the people in the UK stand up for their rights and block this.

mcbarker says: Stopping piracy isn't censorship. If one buys the software, music, or movies that they enjoy, then they won't have to worry about having their Internet cut off--or worse.

Speeddymon says: The issue being discussed is not that stopping piracy is censorship; the discussion is that government spying and disabling of Internet access based on the contents of packets is censorship. While it technically isn't censorship, it is definitely a heavy-handed tactic to block Internet pirates.

Bankrobber says: Even if pirates (non pro) are using the Net to "shuffle" files between friends, somebody is making money off of that somehow/somewhere.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

Performance Results Mixed With Vista Service Pack 1

jakthebomb says: I just installed the SP1 for Vista and my laptop is so far faster than before. It took about 1 hour to install. No crashes so far.

Pcwizkid says: Despite SP1, Windows will never be without the need for manual house cleaning of the OS and tweaking for performance. We cannot expect a Service Pack to do it all.

Reddout says: Why oh why doesn't Microsoft get it that many of us don't want bells and whistles (and the bloat that comes with them). We just want performance. Give me lean and mean and speed any day. Pretty is nice but not when I'm on a deadline and just need to get things done.

Yert says: Vista's file copy is really slow compared to XP. To an XP computer the whole process would have taken at least half of the 4-5-hour process that it took.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

Five Things to Know About U.S. Border Laptop Searches

Evildave says: It's annoying that they would want to take my PC and dissect it. Imaging the hard drive by law enforcement means removing it, mounting it with a disk copying tool, and put it back (maybe right) or giving all the bits and pieces back to you in a bag. If they want to analyze the disk, then your PC will not be coming back before flying cars are common.

AlanZusman says: Wow! Our government is out of control.

Tunz says: All they are doing is ticking people off. Somebody should tell DHS that the sixties are over. It is no longer necessary to transport hard copies of data over national borders. I guess they have to be seen to be doing something, but it's looking like their power has gone to their heads.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

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