It's Windows vs. Windows as Microsoft battles piracy

No_Style · Feb 4, 2005, 05:08 AM

In an effort to boost sales of Windows, Microsoft has its sights set on its nearest competitor.

But it's not Linux. And sorry, Apple Computer fans, it's not the Mac.

The biggest rival to Windows sales is Windows itself--or rather pirated copies of the OS. And Microsoft is starting to put its foot down.

In its most serious bid yet to reap revenue from those who've been getting Windows without payment to Microsoft, the company plans to require computer owners to verify that their copy of Windows is properly licensed before allowing them to download software from Microsoft's site. By mid-year, the once voluntary Windows Genuine Advantage program will become mandatory.

Those with unlicensed copies of Windows will be blocked from getting both add-ons to the OS and security patches through Microsoft's download site (though they will still be able to use the Automatic Update feature built into Windows).

"They've let it go until now because PC growth has been so good," said Matt Rosoff, an analyst at research firm Directions on Microsoft.

But that's begun to change.
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Read More/Source: C|Net Tech News

MitchRapp · Feb 4, 2005, 09:39 AM

but.... you can use automatic update ..... sooooo..... what's the point exactly?

Demigod · Feb 4, 2005, 11:12 AM

You can also use autopatcher to get all the programme updates as well so this will only realy be a problem for the regular jo who has either been sold a pirated copy or had their cd key stolen/cloned. Like most anti piracy measures it will only cause problems for those of us who actually payed for our software.

Feb 4, 2005, 05:08 AM	#1
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	It's Windows vs. Windows as Microsoft battles piracy In an effort to boost sales of Windows, Microsoft has its sights set on its nearest competitor. But it's not Linux. And sorry, Apple Computer fans, it's not the Mac. The biggest rival to Windows sales is Windows itself--or rather pirated copies of the OS. And Microsoft is starting to put its foot down. In its most serious bid yet to reap revenue from those who've been getting Windows without payment to Microsoft, the company plans to require computer owners to verify that their copy of Windows is properly licensed before allowing them to download software from Microsoft's site. By mid-year, the once voluntary Windows Genuine Advantage program will become mandatory. Those with unlicensed copies of Windows will be blocked from getting both add-ons to the OS and security patches through Microsoft's download site (though they will still be able to use the Automatic Update feature built into Windows). "They've let it go until now because PC growth has been so good," said Matt Rosoff, an analyst at research firm Directions on Microsoft. But that's begun to change. _______________ Read More/Source: C\|Net Tech News __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Feb 4, 2005, 09:39 AM	#2
MitchRapp a.k.a. pepiman Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 998 Rep Power: 49 System Specs	but.... you can use automatic update ..... sooooo..... what's the point exactly?

Feb 4, 2005, 11:12 AM	#3
Demigod DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	You can also use autopatcher to get all the programme updates as well so this will only realy be a problem for the regular jo who has either been sold a pirated copy or had their cd key stolen/cloned. Like most anti piracy measures it will only cause problems for those of us who actually payed for our software.