Slashdot Mirror
Microsoft Replaces Your Pirated Windows, For Free
th3d0ct0r writes "ZDNet reports that Microsoft is now willing to replace your pirated version of Windows XP. As part of the recently started "Windows Genuine advantage" program, Alex Hilton explains that this incentive aims to bring out customers who bought PC's with Windows XP preinstalled from vendors that pirated the Microsoft OS. Not only do they offer amnesty to anyone coming forth with a pirated version, but also to ship an original version of their product with a valid license to replace the pirated one, each customer being able to get up to 5 such replacements. Hilton says: "Our goal is not to prosecute the individual, our goal is to get to the source".
Things like this are what make me like Linux so much. In Linux, you don't even have to do anything to get your copy to be legit! It already is.
In Linux, there is no "activating." 2 of the computers in my house (owned by other family members) use Windows, and I have to go through Activation Hell every time I reformat one. Which is rather often, because of the fact that they use Windows.
Now Microsoft is even competing for a monopoly on software piracy... through pirating their own software...!?
Who is this Joe guy? Any relation to Apple's CEO?
The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
Didnt anyone tell them, it's dangerous snitching on your neighbourhood drug dealer!
Nobody 'sues' a 12 year old girl.
The parents of a 12 year old girl were sued, as they are legally responsible for said girl's actions.
A few days later they were seen at the Borders bookstore picking up a copy of 'Spanking for Dummies.'
"What's the frequency Kenneth?"