XP Crackdown -- Redmondmag.com

Barney's Blog

XP Crackdown

Microsoft's licensing may among the most complex the software world has ever seen, but that doesn't give you the right to violate any of its many terms.

The most recent example is an extension to Windows Genuine Advantage with the catchy name "Get Genuine Windows Agreement." And since everything at Microsoft turns into an acronym (even BG), let's call this new plan GGWA.

Microsoft's concern is that customers that have a right to upgrade are instead doing full new installs. And Microsoft worries that enterprises aren't doing enough to protect their license keys, allowing for counterfeiters.

While this may well be a pain for law-abiding customers, Microsoft does have a right to protect its intellectual property. Agree, disagree? Tell me where I'm right or wrong at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on 10/08/2007 at 1:15 PM

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