Microsoft update hits pirates
MICROSOFT is using more stringent controls for registering legitimate copies of Windows in an effort to curtail piracy.
Microsoft expanded its "Windows Genuine Advantage" program, requiring users of its software to verify their copies of software in order to receive add-ons to Windows XP.
Security-related updates to its software, which are used to plug software flaws exploited by viruses and hackers, will be exempt so that all users can avoid infection and, to prevent the wider spread of viruses, director of Microsoft's Windows Genuine program David Lazar said.
"This is another tool in our arsenal," he said, adding that a third of installed Windows programs worldwide are pirated copies.
Microsoft began the program on a trial basis and expanded it to more than 20 countries in February. Microsoft is targeting software piracy in places such as China, Norway and the Czech Republic, where the use of pirated software is more widespread.
Microsoft said it was trying to reclaim revenue that the company and its reseller lose due to piracy, which it said resulted in billions of dollars in lost income.
Microsoft said, however, that it would no longer require legitimate Windows users to enter a product code, a string of 25 numbers and letters, in order to verify that a copy of Windows is legitimate. Instead, Microsoft said it will check hardware data to verify that multiple copies of Windows aren't being installed on different personal computers.
