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Written by Tony Phelps
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Monday, 18 September 2006 |
Microsoft Windows continues to evolve – even as Microsoft works to finish their latest and greatest operating system called Vista, they refine, improve and secure existing operating systems. As recently discussed, Microsoft do not support all versions of their software forever, occasionally ending support as products become too old, but for supported software, the quickest and easiest way to keep up-to-date is by means of Microsoft's “Automatic Updates” feature – but make sure you have a genuine licence, or you will run into trouble.
For some time, Microsoft have been warning that they will be cracking down on pirated copies of their software. They have long provided “free” updates to anyone with an internet connection, so that all the latest bug fixes and security patches and minor improvements can be downloaded either manually or automatically. Keeping the operating system up-to-date is essential for anyone with an internet connection, in order to protect against hackers, viruses, trojans and spyware (anti-spyware and anti-virus software is still necessary though).
Using the Automatic Updates facility, you could choose to check with Microsoft's websites at regular or occasional times according to your preference. The application runs in the background, downloading any available updates whenever the internet connection is not being used. These updates are then installed automatically.
Now, one of the updates that gets downloaded (probably the first one!) is called “Windows Genuine Advantage”. It is a small application that runs in the background, and it confirms that the licence for your Windows is actually unique, genuine, and valid. In other words, if you have a pirated copy of Windows or you have not correctly and fully registered your Windows with Microsoft, you will get a warning prompt every so often and every time you reboot. It is not easy to get rid of.
Windows Genuine Advantage does not stop the computer from running, but it is very annoying and it also prevents any further updates from being downloaded. The result is that anyone who is using Windows that has not been licenced and registered will be at risk from any future (and many present) security threats and may suffer from software bugs that would otherwise have been fixed.
Large numbers of computers running Windows do so with a pirated version – Vanuatu has little commercial or private respect for licencing (software worth hundreds of thousands of Vatu is easy to get in central shops, at a tiny fraction of the true cost) and piracy is rampant. Microsoft's moves may only affect those people that want to keep their computers protected and updated, but it is an example of an increasingly tougher attitude to the provision of software.
It is worth pointing out that there is little need to depend on Microsoft products these days, as almost all software has an open source equivalent providing very similar facilities, features and functions at no charge – legally. The Ubuntu linux package is a great example, and there are a number of places around Vila where it can be seen in use. If Microsoft's licencing moves annoy you, there is a free alternative.
Questions? Contact us - Merlin Pacific IT provide effective & efficient business IT. Join VIGNET (Vanuatu Internet User Group) email discussions, register at http://tinyurl.com/zcusl
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