Microsoft's latest security update offer a little more than just that. Users running a pirated copy of the operating system found out that they will now receive periodic, nagging reminders of the fact that their copy of Windows failed to pass an authenticity test.

But rest assured, the reminders are easily defeated.

This is just another step in a never ending game of cat and mouse between pirates and commercial software makers.

But how long will Microsoft continue to play nicely? If the company can give you a nagging reminder, it can wipe your entire hard drive. That potential threat plus the fact that using pirated software is just as bad as stealing beer from the super market, should be enough reason to stop using illegally copied software.

Besides, there are plenty of free software applications available. All the more reason to go for the free beer instead of stealing some.

Tags: Microsoft, windows genuine advantage, piracy

28 Apr 2006