Pirated copies of Windows make the world and ATMs go ’round
By Jonathan Schlaffer
In less developed nations, I have no doubt that the number of pirated copies of Windows (any version) outnumber the copies of legitimate versions. It also doesn’t surprise me that Russians like their pirated copies as well and not just individuals, banks, so don’t be surprised if you can’t get money out of an ATM in Russia because Windows isn’t activated.
This comes directly from English Russia (I’ve learned to be leery of his posts) but I have no reason to question this one. I mean, right here in the US we’ve seen the banners over Times Square in New York display a Blue screen of death as well as the same on airport displays and ATMs so this doesn’t surprise me at all.
It seems that this ATM was running a pirated copy of Windows (or at least one that wasn’t activated) so it dutifully interrupts ATM operations to notify a customer that it needs to be activated, only there isn’t anyone to tell and if there were, they may not care.
So take note, if you plan on traveling to Russia, don’t trust the ATMs or banks. Okay, I’m only slightly joking but may I suggest good old fashioned Travelers checks?
You just can’t go wrong with Travelers checks, that’s all I carried when I went to New York and California (plus one very limited credit card).
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