James Delahunty
20 Feb 2007 15:16
Microsoft has updated the Windows Genuine Advantage program today in response to feedback from users. WGA is software that attempts to identify whether or not a Windows installation is genuine or not. If found to be illegitimate, the program periodically alerts the user that the software is pirated and blocks access to some downloads.
When it was discovered that WGA was "phoning home" secretly, it was heavily criticized and became even more unpopular. Other problems included false positives, where users of genuine software were told they were running pirated software.
After a WGA test, the software will now label your installation genuine, non-genuine or "not sure". The software will rolled out in Automatic Updates over "the next several weeks or months" and will update every 90 to 120 days.
"There's no denying WGA has had its challenges but we really think we've listened to customers. When a customer fails it now gives more information as to why. Some 33 million people have gone through WGA now in the UK alone. We've added a glossy wizard to make it easier for customers. If any IT manager does have problems, please get in touch and we'll try to help." Microsoft UK anti-piracy head Michala Alexander told The Register.
Source:
The Register