[Sgt>Stackem]

thought some here might find this of intrest:

http://www.freep.com/money/tech/techbuz ... 050127.htm


BUZZ: Crackdown on pirates

January 27, 2005








Software updates
Microsoft Corp. plans to severely curtail the ways in which people running pirated copies of Windows can receive software updates, including security fixes.


The new authentication system, announced Tuesday and expected to arrive by midyear, will still allow people with pirated copies of Windows to obtain security fixes, but options will be limited.


During the next few months, the software behemoth will begin to more broadly adopt the program, called Windows Genuine Advantage, that urges users to provide proof their Windows copy is authentic before receiving some software updates.


By mid-2005, the program will become mandatory for Windows users to get virtually all updates, including security fixes available through the Windows Update Web site. But users who have pirated copies of Windows will be able to continue to get security fixes if they sign up to automatically receive security updates.