In order to combat piracy, Microsoft
goes all whiney nancy-boy. When you download upgrades and other software from their site, Microsoft will scan the contents of your computer to look for pirated software.
If Microsoft deems a PC to be carrying contraband code, it won't allow a user to download Microsoft programs, with the exception of security patches. But the software company — which says that more than one in five U.S. computers runs a counterfeit version of its Windows product — is not just waving a stick. It is also offering a big carrot.
Microsoft said it will give a free copy of its Windows XP to customers who unknowingly bought a counterfeit version of the operating system and who fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase and send Microsoft the counterfeit CDs.
The best part of the article comes in a quote justifying that we actually
want Microsoft to know about our dirty secrets:
Executives at Microsoft reject any suggestions that the move will antagonize customers with privacy concerns.
Customers want to know whether retailers have sold them genuine software,
Mr. Prime said.
No, actually. Customers don't care; they just want it to work.
