Welcome to Microsoft .NET. Sure you Windows XP users here a lot about it, I guess you forgot to realize what it was before you updated
Microsoft .NET service will be Microsoft's way to stop piracy. Did I forget to mention 99% of people in hong Kong use a pirated version of Windows? Of course, since Microsoft isn't making enough money as it is
they now have to make you subscribe to use the software. That way, they can make sure you only have it installed on one computer (unless you buy another license), and make sure it won't get pirated. Gotta pay to use it, and have your own serial number, which gets attached to your computer.
So now you guys are stuck subscribing to use your software. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? First things first, for the people that are bitching, if any of you have pirated software on your PC, don't cry, cause you're part of the reason these things happen. For the rest of you... say hello to the new iMac
For the record, Office v.X for Mac OS X is MUCH, like not even funny, better than the Windows version, Office XP or whatever. Seriously, it's hilarious how MBU (Macintosh Business Unit) can create so much better software than MS's PC guys. On Macs, MS software isn't too bad. IE works great, Office (including Entourage, greatest email client ever) works beyond perfectly, WMP is great, MSN Messenger is great. As long as you avoid Windows, you're good.
Did I mention Return to Castle Wolfenstein for Mac OS X just shipped, as did Norton SystemWorks 2 which now runs natively in OS X
Time to convert my friends.