Windows 7 "leaks" spread

Here is a site dedicated to windows 7 and the various "leaks" of different beta builds that have been release to torrent sites, like thepiratebay

http://windows7news.com/tag/windows-7-leak/

The funny thing is that these "leaks" are probably done on purpose as a way for microsoft to send out new builds of windows 7 for people to test out . It is a lot cheaper alternative than hosting these files on their server and having them clogged with people trying to download every new build that comes out. The constant leaking of these builds and the subsequent appearance of them all over the pirating world is an example of how diseases can spread in the network. One person makes a leak, people get a hold of it, host it, then as more people download, they may also upload these files as well and so there is this never ending trend of more and more people getting a hold of files.

People have said that these windows 7 leaks are done purposefully as a way for microsoft to get people to test out their builds. Microsoft has publicly announced that the release candidate of windows 7 will not be hosted on their servers but rather sent to torrent trackers. Microsoft knows how pirating (although in this case its a free release) works and figure that it is a lot more cost effective and a faster medium to get out their builds for everyone to try. Diseases spread fast if there is constant downloads and uploads and so do new builds of windows 7.

Speaking of how fast leaks and rumors spread in the computer industry, if anyone saw the interview with Jim Cramer and how he can spread rumors that aren't even true in an effort to short Apple stock.

http://www.macworld.com/article/139384/2009/03/dailyshow_cramer.html

Cramer is one of the "mavens" that Gladwell talks about that is supposed to be an information guru that people trust, and he's able to start "word of mouth epidemics"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tipping_Point