Microsoft updates anti-piracy tool
The WGA validates the authenticity of a user’s software and provides access to popular software and other benefits, helping consumers and businesses ensure they are receiving the greater reliability, faster access to updates, access to special offers and richer experiences offered by genuine Windows.
Microsoft South Africa’s Windows Client, Business Group Executive, Jonathan Hatchuel, says the intent behind WGA is that if a user doesn’t have a legitimate, licensed copy of Windows, they shouldn’t be eligible for free updates. There is an exception, however. All users, even those who have not authenticated their copies of Windows, will still have free access to company-issued security patches via the Download Center.
“Unlicensed and pirated software threatens not only the entire software industry, but also other industries that create products built on intellectual property. Most importantly, we want our customers to realise the massive benefits of genuine software,” says Hatchuel.
In addition to updated anti-piracy capabilities, the new version of WGA incorporates an improved user installation and validation experience that provides more context and information on how the program works. It also offers automatic updates and improved information and resources for people whose systems don’t pass genuine validation.
Customers who opt in to WGA Notifications and learn they are using non-genuine versions of Windows will receive a message during logon that their copy of Windows appears to be non-genuine and will be directed to the WGA Web site to learn more.
Customers running genuine Windows will be unaffected by WGA notifications. Users running non-genuine Windows will see the notifications at boot time, login time, and periodically to via a system tray reminder. Messages are displayed until the system is running genuine Windows.
“The Business Software Alliance reported that, in 2004, an incredible 35% of software in South Africa was unlicensed, pirated, or counterfeit. Additionally, many users of counterfeit and unlicensed software are not aware that their software is not genuine,” continues Hatchuel.
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