How Genuine Is Your Windows?

Topics Computer, Software, Windows Vista, Windows XP on December 8th, 2007

The counterfeited software has always represented a problem for both software companies and consumers and the phenomenon is getting stronger nowadays. It appears that pirated technologies are available even in retail stores, which makes the fight against such software almost impossible. According to PC World, there were cases when users bought Windows, but when trying to install it, the Windows Genuine Advantage technology warned them that the operating system was not genuine. And this happened when Amanda Barr, from Midland, Ontario, bought the software from a local retail store.

“They (the computer store) told me I hadn’t installed the program properly and I had to take it out and do it again. The store manager even threatened me and became abusive,” she said, according to the same source mentioned above.

Obviously, software companies have already been fighting against this huge phenomenon, but it sounds like Mission Impossible IV when the pirates manage to distribute their counterfeited products through retail stores.

“We’re starting to see pirates becoming more sophisticated in their ways as counterfeit software is now being sold off of the Internet and is available for download,” Michael Hilliard, corporate counsel at Microsoft Canada, said during the Kestenberg Siegal Lipkus LLP conference, according to “PC World”.

Surely, Microsoft is one of the most affected companies when it comes to pirated content, because its Windows operating system has been targeted by numerous pirates all over the world. That’s why the Redmond-based company has taken several security measures, which have reduced the amount of pirated content, but haven’t managed to stop it entirely. Beside the famous WGA utility, Microsoft has also set up a special website focused on educating people about counterfeited products and software applications.

“This should be a level playing field for our partners,. Their ability to compete effectively and to provide high quality software and services to their customers is undermined by people who are engaging in this unlawful activity. It would be great if partners could jump on board with us and help us to communicate this message out,” the Microsoft official added.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.