China bans Microsoft Windows 8 on government computers

China has shocked Microsoft this week by banning Windows 8 on government computers.

The restriction came down as part of a larger decree about energy-saving products but the nation's official news agency Xinhua cited security concerns for foreign operating systems as the reason.

Microsoft said it will continue selling Windows 7 to Chinese officials, despite the ban.

Xinhua reported that officials saw the end of security support for Windows XP as a huge threat, as the operating system is still run on over 50 percent of Chinese computers. "The Chinese government obviously cannot ignore the risks of running OS without guaranteed technical support," reported the paper. "It has moved to avoid the awkwardness of being confronted with a similar situation again in future if it continues to purchase computers with foreign OS."

The ban is extended to desktops, laptops and tablets.

Source:
BBC

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 21 May 2014 19:11

Menion

maybe just my own thoughts but China is no idiots when it comes to Computer Technology, They have more funds than the US (Hence our Bank), they distrust the US and with Snowden's recently leaked information I clearly see why they are concerned over their privacy. What I don't understand is why they don't just develop their own OS? They care very little about copyrights and no company is going to waste millions in litigation over a chopped up pick a part OS as they know it would be pointless and the Chinese could do away with M$.

22.5.2014 10:33 #1

MagengarZ

Kudos to China. And I agree with Menion's opinion.
China should just save their chump-change and develop their own OS.

23.5.2014 15:40 #2

kutulu1

They probably just got the news about the NSA backdoor in all Windows OS...lol

23.5.2014 21:14 #3

MagengarZ

Originally posted by kutulu1: They probably just got the news about the NSA backdoor in all Windows OS...lol Good point there. I wouldn't be surprised if the NSA did manage
to gain access to all OS backdoors, under special administrative privileges granted by Mircosoft... hidden under the OS hood, somewhere cloaked within the system- or triggered to become self implanted somewhere in the hard-drive outside the main partition or master boot record, during a clean install; and us average folks would never find it, unless a user happens to be a damn good hacker who knows what to look for.
And, I'm just assuming that. Because whenever I go into a file's properties to modify my Rights as an Administrator (I'm using Win7 Ultimate), I often wonder what all those Other mysterious User privileges are on that list of file access privileges.
Some appear to be for Network access, while others appear to be for some kinds of IT Maintenance purposes.

24.5.2014 00:16 #4

Jemborg

No, you numbskulls... it's a direct retaliation to the (unprecedented I might add) US indicting of five Chinese generals for industrial espionage. Don't any of you follow the news?

In an indictment in the western district of Pennsylvania, the heart of the US steel industry, the US named Wang Dong, Sun Kailiang, Wen Xinyu, Huang Zhenyu, and Gu Chunhui, all officers in Unit 61398 of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), as the alleged conspirators.

John Carlin, head of the justice department's national security division, said, "While the men and women of our American businesses spent their business days innovating, creating, and developing strategies to compete in the global marketplace, these members of unit 61398 spent their business days in Shanghai stealing the fruits of our labour."
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-27475324

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

24.5.2014 12:33 #5

MagengarZ

Originally posted by Jemborg: No, you numbskulls... it's a direct retaliation to the (unprecedented I might add) US indicting of five Chinese generals for industrial espionage. Don't any of you follow the news?

In an indictment in the western district of Pennsylvania, the heart of the US steel industry, the US named Wang Dong, Sun Kailiang, Wen Xinyu, Huang Zhenyu, and Gu Chunhui, all officers in Unit 61398 of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), as the alleged conspirators.

John Carlin, head of the justice department's national security division, said, "While the men and women of our American businesses spent their business days innovating, creating, and developing strategies to compete in the global marketplace, these members of unit 61398 spent their business days in Shanghai stealing the fruits of our labour."
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-27475324

Excuse me, Young person... the name-calling wasn't necessary.

A mature person would have offered his/her presentation to
educate us without calling anyone here "numbskulls".
I'd expect that attitude from kids, not mature adults.

Since you jumped in on that wrong foot, I now do not care
to read the information which you have provided.
Thank you.

24.5.2014 14:03 #6

ddp

Jemborg, got a month off for that & next time it is permanet.

24.5.2014 14:33 #7

Ripper

Blimey. Anyone would think you were all discussing the recent ban on British cheese imports!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27280986

Serious stuff.

24.5.2014 15:33 #8

YoJembo02

Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, got a month off for that & next time it is permanet. Goodness, I can't believe the over-reaction to something that is obviously said in jest!!!

Yes, I said "numbskulls"... jokingly... like I was with friends! I'm absolutely floored its generated so much upset.

I would apologise for the misunderstanding but... not even given a chance. :)

No warning even! I thought you knew me better, I'm not perfect but I'm an utterly civil person generally, especially nowadays. And you should know that... but I get it... you obviously dislike me ddp. Fine. You've made that quite plain now. I shan't expect justice in future. Since you're so arbitrary I will say what I see fit anyway. And you will do... whatever. I should be more like Hearme0, our resident troll, who seems to be able to insult in lurid detail myself and others with absolute impunity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Since you jumped in on that wrong foot, I now do not care to read the information which you have provided.
Thank you. That's a pity, it was enlightening. Sorry you took offence... it might be hard to believe but it was not meant.

It's a lot easier being righteous than right

25.5.2014 00:49 #9

MagengarZ

Originally posted by YoJembo02: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, got a month off for that & next time it is permanet. Goodness, I can't believe the over-reaction to something that is obviously said in jest!!!

Yes, I said "numbskulls"... jokingly... like I was with friends! I'm absolutely floored its generated so much upset.

I would apologise for the misunderstanding but... not even given a chance. :)

No warning even! I thought you knew me better, I'm not perfect but I'm an utterly civil person generally, especially nowadays. And you should know that... but I get it... you obviously dislike me ddp. Fine. You've made that quite plain now. I shan't expect justice in future. Since you're so arbitrary I will say what I see fit anyway. And you will do... whatever. I should be more like Hearme0, our resident troll, who seems to be able to insult in lurid detail myself and others with absolute impunity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Since you jumped in on that wrong foot, I now do not care to read the information which you have provided.
Thank you. That's a pity, it was enlightening. Sorry you took offence... it might be hard to believe but it was not meant. I accept your apology. Just, please, try to be careful about that.
Some folks take it hard.
It's difficult to convey stuff when it's all in text and we can't see nor hear one another in an all-text forum.
I have often made that mistake myself in other web forums, especially in sites with members of other countries and nationalities, and members who may be challenged by language barriers.

As for Dpp "disliking you"... he (or she) is not disliking you.
Dpp is just doing his (or her) job as the forum's moderator,
and is responsible for keeping things tidy here at AD.

Now, about that "got one month off" thing, is that some
form of a temporary ban?
If so, then I'm requesting Dpp (if he or she is reading this)
to please lift that ban and allow you back on board.
With that, everything will all be settled and cool.

Everyone who participates in these topic discussions
has something to offer so we can all learn new things.

And I'm also at fault for misunderstanding Jemborg
right off the bat.

Thanks.

25.5.2014 01:17 #10

YoJembo02

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Originally posted by YoJembo02: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, got a month off for that & next time it is permanet. Goodness, I can't believe the over-reaction to something that is obviously said in jest!!!

Yes, I said "numbskulls"... jokingly... like I was with friends! I'm absolutely floored its generated so much upset.

I would apologise for the misunderstanding but... not even given a chance. :)

No warning even! I thought you knew me better, I'm not perfect but I'm an utterly civil person generally, especially nowadays. And you should know that... but I get it... you obviously dislike me ddp. Fine. You've made that quite plain now. I shan't expect justice in future. Since you're so arbitrary I will say what I see fit anyway. And you will do... whatever. I should be more like Hearme0, our resident troll, who seems to be able to insult in lurid detail myself and others with absolute impunity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Since you jumped in on that wrong foot, I now do not care to read the information which you have provided.
Thank you. That's a pity, it was enlightening. Sorry you took offence... it might be hard to believe but it was not meant. I accept your apology. Just, please, try to be careful about that.
Some folks take it hard.
It's difficult to convey stuff when it's all in text and we can't see nor hear one another in an all-text forum.
I have often made that mistake myself in other web forums, especially in sites with members of other countries and nationalities, and members who may be challenged by language barriers.

As for Dpp "disliking you"... he (or she) is not disliking you.
Dpp is just doing his (or her) job as the forum's moderator,
and is responsible for keeping things tidy here at AD.

Now, about that "got one month off" thing, is that some
form of a temporary ban?
If so, then I'm requesting Dpp (if he or she is reading this)
to please lift that ban and allow you back on board.
With that, everything will all be settled and cool.

Everyone who participates in these topic discussions
has something to offer so we can all learn new things.

And I'm also at fault for misunderstanding Jemborg
right off the bat.

Thanks. Well thanks back at you mate.

I have been here a while now btw. ;)

Enough said...

(And as far as "our resident troll" I mentioned... I take no offence to him actually... he's part of the family... or at least the furniture.)

For the record, in case it was not clear, I'm on the side of the US here. Even though it's largely a symbolic gesture it's an important one imo.

Cheers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Its a lot easier being righteous than right

25.5.2014 02:14 #11

ddp

YoJembo02, talk to drd or ketola to get unbanned as i agree to the unban as mods can't do that. you got temp banned once before by oner so was going with that plus the "numbskull" comment. sorry.

25.5.2014 15:21 #12

MagengarZ

25.5.2014 16:22 #13

waynebaal

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Originally posted by ddp: YoJembo02, talk to drd or ketola to get unbanned as i agree to the unban as mods can't do that. you got temp banned once before by oner so was going with that plus the "numbskull" comment. sorry. Thank you, Dpp. :) Originally posted by YoJembo02: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, got a month off for that & next time it is permanet. Goodness, I can't believe the over-reaction to something that is obviously said in jest!!!

Yes, I said "numbskulls"... jokingly... like I was with friends! I'm absolutely floored its generated so much upset.

I would apologise for the misunderstanding but... not even given a chance. :)

No warning even! I thought you knew me better, I'm not perfect but I'm an utterly civil person generally, especially nowadays. And you should know that... but I get it... you obviously dislike me ddp. Fine. You've made that quite plain now. I shan't expect justice in future. Since you're so arbitrary I will say what I see fit anyway. And you will do... whatever. I should be more like Hearme0, our resident troll, who seems to be able to insult in lurid detail myself and others with absolute impunity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Since you jumped in on that wrong foot, I now do not care to read the information which you have provided.
Thank you. That's a pity, it was enlightening. Sorry you took offence... it might be hard to believe but it was not meant. I am absolutely staggered beyond belief at the ban for that! And for anybody to actually have been offended by it?! Some people need to get out more.

26.5.2014 08:26 #14

MagengarZ

Originally posted by waynebaal: Originally posted by MagengarZ: Originally posted by ddp: YoJembo02, talk to drd or ketola to get unbanned as i agree to the unban as mods can't do that. you got temp banned once before by oner so was going with that plus the "numbskull" comment. sorry. Thank you, Dpp. :) Originally posted by YoJembo02: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, got a month off for that & next time it is permanet. Goodness, I can't believe the over-reaction to something that is obviously said in jest!!!

Yes, I said "numbskulls"... jokingly... like I was with friends! I'm absolutely floored its generated so much upset.

I would apologise for the misunderstanding but... not even given a chance. :)

No warning even! I thought you knew me better, I'm not perfect but I'm an utterly civil person generally, especially nowadays. And you should know that... but I get it... you obviously dislike me ddp. Fine. You've made that quite plain now. I shan't expect justice in future. Since you're so arbitrary I will say what I see fit anyway. And you will do... whatever. I should be more like Hearme0, our resident troll, who seems to be able to insult in lurid detail myself and others with absolute impunity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Since you jumped in on that wrong foot, I now do not care to read the information which you have provided.
Thank you. That's a pity, it was enlightening. Sorry you took offence... it might be hard to believe but it was not meant. I am absolutely staggered beyond belief at the ban for that! And for anybody to actually have been offended by it?! Some people need to get out more. It was a misunderstanding on my part, and it has been resolved by all parties involved. And yes, I over-reacted.
I had even asked the moderator to lift the ban so that our friend can rejoin us in this forum.

Please, lets get back on the main Topic.

26.5.2014 23:51 #15

Interestx

I remember hearing ages ago that the US DoD was involved in the creation of XP, is anyone really surprised that the NSA etc etc have backdoors into any OS?

That seems incredibly na�ve to me.

27.5.2014 09:32 #16

MagengarZ

Originally posted by Interestx: I remember hearing ages ago that the US DoD was involved in the creation of XP, is anyone really surprised that the NSA etc etc have backdoors into any OS?

That seems incredibly na�ve to me. I'm not surprised at all, on the contrary I am amused. lol

'Big Brother' has always existed in some form throughout
technological history, even way back in the early days of the
land line.
He's just getting better at what he does best.

27.5.2014 23:29 #17

YoJembo02

Originally posted by ddp: YoJembo02, talk to drd or ketola to get unbanned as i agree to the unban as mods can't do that. you got temp banned once before by oner so was going with that plus the "numbskull" comment. sorry. I don't think that would work... Andre' has appealed for me...

You have a long memory... that suspension was years ago. Whilst I still abhor bullying and bombasticity from those in authority, Oner and I have settled things via correspondence and bygones are now bygones... I invite you to confirm this with him if it's of any significance to you.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Its a lot easier being righteous than right

28.5.2014 11:24 #18

Jemborg

Originally posted by MagengarZ: Originally posted by Interestx: I remember hearing ages ago that the US DoD was involved in the creation of XP, is anyone really surprised that the NSA etc etc have backdoors into any OS?

That seems incredibly na�ve to me. I'm not surprised at all, on the contrary I am amused. lol

'Big Brother' has always existed in some form throughout
technological history, even way back in the early days of the
land line.
He's just getting better at what he does best. Religion got there before tech imho.

The Chinese are still butt-hurt over the indictment of their generals. Banning Win8 is not the only the only thing they have done in retaliation.

It's worthwhile remembering before coming down on the US that it has recently been said that, "there are two types of businesses in the US. Those that know they've been hacked by the Chinese and those that don't".

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

28.5.2014 11:50 #19

MagengarZ

Originally posted by Jemborg: Originally posted by MagengarZ: Originally posted by Interestx: I remember hearing ages ago that the US DoD was involved in the creation of XP, is anyone really surprised that the NSA etc etc have backdoors into any OS?

That seems incredibly na�ve to me. I'm not surprised at all, on the contrary I am amused. lol

'Big Brother' has always existed in some form throughout
technological history, even way back in the early days of the
land line.
He's just getting better at what he does best. Religion got there before tech imho.

The Chinese are still butt-hurt over the indictment of their generals. Banning Win8 is not the only the only thing they have done in retaliation.

It's worthwhile remembering before coming down on the US that it has recently been said that, "there are two types of businesses in the US. Those that know they've been hacked by the Chinese and those that don't".

Religion and Politics are actually Big Brother's parents.
But that's another topic for some other day.

This OS thing with China seems, to me, kinda small compared to
conflicts we've had with other countries.
With Russia, it was the Space Race and the Cold War.
With Japan, it was WW2 and the H-Bomb... Japan is still
kickin our butts to this day, technology-wise.

China can kick and scream, and throw dishes at the walls
all she wants...
With markets all over the world, Microsoft could
care less about China.

28.5.2014 12:06 #20

Jemborg

I would say that MS would care very much about China!

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

VZ300- Zilog Z80 CPU, 32k RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 5.25" FDD, 16 colours (text mode)!

28.5.2014 12:58 #21

MagengarZ

Originally posted by Jemborg: I would say that MS would care very much about China! Of course-- Now that China bans Win8 on their govt machines
and b*tchin back at the U.S. through this lil' bitty sanction;
now there is the need for concern.

Until now, there was no concern when China was a regular
customer and supporter for the product...

Symbolically speaking:
Pay yer rent on time and in advance, and you'll always be your
landlord's best friend.
Miss the rent and be late, or stop paying your rent at all,
and suddenly you'll become a low-life and a financial
burden in the landlord's eyes.

28.5.2014 13:45 #22

Jemborg

???

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

VZ300- Zilog Z80 CPU, 32k RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 5.25" FDD, 16 colours (text mode)!

29.5.2014 01:25 #23

MagengarZ

Originally posted by Jemborg: ??? lol.... I know, my previous comment seems confusing.

I was trying to look at it from Microsoft's perspective:
if they were really concerned about China, I think it's probably
about having the OS code copied and modified into something
of China's own OS (using the same or similar code engineering
as that of Microsoft Windows).

Lemme try to break it down simple:

If I create a product and sell it, my costumers in China buy it and support my business. They're my market.
Somewhere down the line I bust five professional hackers in China trying to copy my OS engineering so that they can develop their own OS... I prosecute those hackers, it becomes a corporate issue.

China gets back at me by banning my product from their country,
therefore I can no longer market my OS to users there.
Meanwhile, I'm worried that my OS code and design got hacked and
copied to become a new OS for users in China... my patented
product stolen; and I'll have difficulty presenting a strong
court case against infringement of my property.

I've lost my market there, so why should I trust China with any
of my products later on?
I'd like to add that I would then no longer need that market,
because I have other markets of users all over the world.
So then, what is one country loss to me.

Again, that is just how I was trying to look at it.

I should also read that article so that I can see what
that situation was really about and have a better
understanding of it.

29.5.2014 02:09 #24

Jemborg

1: Five People's Liberation Army generals of Unit 61398, an army unit specifically formed by the Chinese Gov for cyber industrial espionage, have been unprecedentedly (i.e. never ever happened before) indicted by the USA Gov for spying on five major corporations (not MS). China are co-signatures to international binding agreements forbidding these activities.

2: The Chinese are shamed and pissed!... banning Win8 is only part of the fallout from this. It is not the only thing to have happened, talks conferences etc. etc whatever have been cancelled/postponed indefinitely.

3: Just because you think the Chinese market, which is set to surpass America's, is 'no big deal' does not make it so. I'm frankly amazed by that minimisation. Everyone is knocking on China's door.

4: Reading the link might be a good idea.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

VZ300- Zilog Z80 CPU, 32k RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 5.25" FDD, 16 colours (text mode)!

29.5.2014 02:55 #25

xboxdvl2

Originally posted by Jemborg: 1: Five People's Liberation Army generals of Unit 61398, an army unit specifically formed by the Chinese Gov for cyber industrial espionage, have been unprecedentedly (i.e. never ever happened before) indicted by the USA Gov for spying on five major corporations (not MS). China are co-signatures to international binding agreements forbidding these activities.

2: The Chinese are shamed and pissed!... banning Win8 is only part of the fallout from this. It is not the only thing to have happened, talks conferences etc. etc whatever have been cancelled/postponed indefinitely.

3: Just because you think the Chinese market, which is set to surpass America's, is 'no big deal' does not make it so. I'm frankly amazed by that minimisation. Everyone is knocking on China's door.

4: Reading the link might be a good idea.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- not being able to do business with china or its citizens would be a major problem for U.S.A as majority of products are made in china.
China also has a very high population and losing sales of windows 8 would hit microsoft.

custom built gaming pc from early 2010,ps2 with 15 games all original,ps3 500gbs with 5 games all original,yamaha amp and 5.1channel surround sound speakers,46inch sony lcd smart tv.

30.5.2014 00:50 #26

MagengarZ

I honestly had completely forgotten about the huge population in China
(I got sick-n-tired of watching any media news on TV years ago).
So, then, I realize now what a big market China is.
Microsoft stands to lose a big market from not being allowed to
sell Win8 there.
And that's just for an OS; now imagine if China were to stop doing
business with the U.S. altogether.
Yeah, right... when was the last time we've seen anything
authentically made in the U.S.A. besides home-grown weed?

30.5.2014 00:59 #27

Jemborg

Originally posted by MagengarZ: ...now imagine if China were to stop doing
business with the U.S. altogether. We're all interconnected nowadays. Since the communist Chinese have been propping up the US economy in the last decade or so they aren't gonna stop doing business with their investment any time soon. Problem is even if their population consume (buy) more stuff like Westerners, instead of just mostly saving their income as is traditional, it looks likely their own multiple-trillion (yep!) debt bubble could burst. And if that happens the GFC will look like a walk in the park.

That is not just some crank's opinion btw. The US debt is personal credit based (the US gov's is low believe it or not). The Chinese gov was encouraged by the West to spend big to stave off compete collapse in the GFC. They instructed their banks to "lend, lend, lend". In the first year they had lent infrastructure about 2 trillion US$! Double what they were told (or expected to maybe) to btw. They have lately tried to pull back but have unfortunately created an underground black lending sector (like a black market ok) that seems unstoppable.

Their debt bubble is considered the greatest by far in world history from what I recall.

Intellectual property is what the West (like the US) has to offer (sell) nowadays. The cutting back on education spending is one of the greatest blunders of the modern Neo-cons. Not a mistake the Germans made. Most of the iPhone is actually made in Germany! Parts come from everywhere. China is the final assembler...This is what is meant by globalisation.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

Dick Smith VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

30.5.2014 03:47 #28

AfterDawn: News