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Microsoft hopes to end Piracy of Windows Software
Jan 26 2005-Microsoft has been fighting piracy harder every year. Now, Microsoft is planning on requiring customers to verify that they have a legal copy of Windows before they are allowed to download software updates from Microsoft windows update. They have been testing a tool since last fall that can check wether a particular copy of windows is legitimate.
Up until now, all of the checks have been voluntary, but for China, Norway and the Czech Republic that will change on February the 7th, the check will become mandatory. By the middle of the year the verification will be mandatory for all countries. This includes software updates, for both addons and Windows, and security patches. They also said they will continue to allow everyone to continue to automatically recieve all of the updates by turning on the Automatic update feature. By doing so, they hope to improve user security and help curb software piracy of computer software.
The program was given the name of Windows Genuine Advantage, and those who participate can get discounts on Windows software, as well as some free software. In China, Norway and the Czech Republic, people will be able to get a discount on a legitimate copy of Windows, with prices ranging anywhere from $10 to $150.
"We think that the best foundation for the most secure system is genuine software," said David Lazar, director of the Genuine Windows program at Microsoft. "We want to urge all of our customers to use genuine software. (At the same time), we want to make sure that we don't do anything to reduce the likelihood that a user will keep their system up to date."
Related articles from other news sites:
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.
Microsoft Plans Restrictions on Fixes Microsoft Corp. plans to severely curtail the ways in which people running pirated copies of its dominant Windows operating system can receive software updates, including security fixes.
The new authentication system, announced Tuesday and due to arrive by midyear, will still allow people with pirated copies of Windows to obtain security fixes, but their options will be limited. The move allows Microsoft to use one of its sharpest weapons — access to security patches that can prevent viruses, worms and other crippling attacks — to thwart a costly and meddlesome piracy problem.
But some security experts said the crackdown also could increase Internet security problems in general, if there is a spike in unsecured computers open to attack, which then could be used to attack others.
Microsoft: Legit Windows or no updates Aiming to crack down on counterfeit software, Microsoft plans later this year to require customers to verify that their copy of Windows is genuine before downloading security patches and other add-ons to the operating system.
Microsoft battles piracy with free software As part of its growing effort to thwart piracy, Microsoft is offering free photo slideshow software to customers who verify that they have a genuine copy of Windows.
Microsoft on Wednesday released Photo Story 3, the latest version of its software for creating photo slideshows set to music or narration. The previous incarnation was sold as part of a $20 digital media bundle known as Microsoft Plus Digital Media Edition.
This time around, Microsoft is making the software available free of charge, but it is requiring customers to take part in the Windows Genuine Advantage pilot program. In the program, people use an online tool to check whether their PCs are using a properly licensed copy of the operating system.
Pirated MS OS? Anti-Spyware app checks legitimacy
Security Focus suggests that Microsoft's new anti-Spyware application is doing double duty as an anti-piracy counter-measure. If a user with a pirated version of XP attempts to download the app, the website uploads "GenuineCheck.exe" to that user's computer, which scans for a legit license key and denies the download if the OS is pirated (Our users say that's untrue: GenuineCheck has existed previously, and does not prevent downloads). While the author has several facts wrong, he does ask two legit questions: with pirate IP address in hand, will MS take action? Should MS allow pirated copies of the OS to be patched/upgraded with security apps for security's sake?
Microsoft: Can we check your software license? Microsoft is trying to get to know its pirates a little better.
The software maker has launched a pilot program in which some visitors to the main Windows download page are being asked to let the software maker check to see whether their copy of the operating system is licensed.
Visitors do not have to partipate in the program to get their downloads. They'll also get their downloads if they do participate and their copy of Windows turns out to be unlicensed. But Microsoft said the program is a first step in trying to provide a better experience for customers using legitimate copies of Windows.
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