darkrats wrote:

> Unless you build your own system, most computers come with some version of
> Windows included in the cost. So most users, even those who are running
> "pirated" or "illegal" copies of Windows, originally paid for the Operating
> System in some way. Almost all those "pirates" are running "corporate" or
> "cracked" versions just to get around the stupid and annoying Activation and
> WGA crap. You would think that MS would understand this. I've owned about a
> half dozen computers, and they all came with a legal OS installed.
>

If it is true that the pirates are running around and distributing
the VLK versions of Windows XP, then it is testimony to the actual
degree of larceny that is going on. This would certainly justify a
draconian drive for mitigation of the crime. Take note, however, that
the volume license holders are accountable for their licenses and can
be audited at any time. The penalties are too severe to support any
violations. Should anyone think of the inequities of being caught with
a pirated copy of Windows, Office, Photoshop, etc., by their makers,
consider the fate of the worker with illicit copies of software in a
company computer or for distributing copies of company-owned software.
Getting oneself fired and becoming unemployable is no lark. OTOH, there
are more people "sharing" their software among friends than the number
being arrested and prosecuted.

Thank you, Ghostrider.

Am I wrong? MS could start by attacking the important pirates. Because IMHO
Microsoft could detect if the same update is being demanded more than thirty
times a week by supposedly the same XXXX-XXXX-OEM-XXXX-XXXX number. This
uncommon behavior should brand such number as delinquent. If Microsoft
stopped giving updates to the pirate numbers, people would hear about it and
would stop getting their copies from pirates. And pirates would go out of
business because they wouldn't pay for MS software just to make one or two
copies; they have to make many copies if they want their profit.

But I guess it's not that simple.

It would be nice if for these and other kinds of copycats there would be an
online judge, a jury, etc. Maybe a good lawyer could demonstrate that the
defendant had to reinstall Windows 30 times in 7 days, but it wouldn't be
easy. And good lawyers are expensive. ;)

Thank you, guys. You have all been very helpful.

"Luis Med" <LuisMed@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>
> Thank you, guys. You have all been very helpful.

You're welcome.

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]