The End of Pirate Copies?

Well, in times past, one could pick up a copy of any Windows version they wanted at any number of markets in third world countries for just a few dollars and have a complete functioning copy of Windows. While Windows XP has always required product activation for retail copies, the volume licenses did not require activiation and these copies are the ones found in the markets around the world. According to this article, Windows Vista will close that loophole.

Microsoft will also extend activation and validation to enterprise volume license users for the first time with Vista, said Hartje, and require them with Windows Server “Longhorn,” the server software follow-on. “One of the big holes we’ve had [in our anti-piracy efforts] is in our volume keys. It’s a very open process, with the keys in clear text and easily stolen and misused,” Hartje said.

So, I guess a quick install on many third world country computers will not happen as fast as Windows XP. This action, at least until a workaround is found, will dramatically slow its acceptance around the world. Ubuntu Linux is looking better every day and anymore, I can’t find a single reason not to use it…and I do use it.