Originally published August 2 2005
Microsoft attempts to win piracy battle
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In a move to combat software piracy, Microsoft yesterday launched its Windows Genuine Advantage program worldwide.
The software behemoth started a program on Monday that requires users of its Windows operating system to prove their copies are legitimate.
If not, Microsoft will not let them get add-ons to Windows XP.
If it detects a counterfeit copy, it will offer two options --- users can fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase and send in the counterfeit CDs to get a free copy of Windows Home Edition or Windows Professional; or those who just submit a piracy report --- telling when, where and from whom they got the software and send in the counterfeit copy --- will get either version of Windows at half price.
This time, the company seems to have broadened its list of things to look for, scanning your machine not only for product keys, software authorization codes and operating-system version, but also for details on the flow of data between the operating system and other hardware, such as printers.
The BSA --- and the Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft, its counterpart here --- has issued press releases for some years estimating colossal economic losses to piracy; all appear to operate on the assumption that every piece of pirated software represents a lost sale, and things like lost salaries of software salespeople are folded into the calculation, plumping up the outrage.
Software is constantly being upgraded and fixed, security holes are patched and new versions reissued so frequently that every piece of software ultimately behaves as though it's an unfinished version of what's to come next.
It has become an act of courage and expense to upgrade our software --- especially operating systems --- and wary buyers have come to see themselves as beta testers, always waiting for a finished version.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml