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From Tuesday, the taking away of an update becomes or patch by Microsoft impossible as you see to about an illegal Windows XP-version. The control on authenticity that you previously voluntarily underwent, now has been obliged for everybody. The only exception its patches that safeties problems solve. That remain for everybody available because otherwise pc's with illegal Windows-versions fast would grow into broeihaarden of viruses and spam.

According to Microsoft turn approximately a third of all Windows-pc' s an illegal version of the OS. Initial layman the softwaregiant that game growths oogluikend to let closed whatever an advantage yielded for Microsoft. That generous attitude saw to there anyhow for that versions as Windows 95 and 98 sore fast naturalized hit at the home user.

Only with the launch of Windows XP changed the attitude of the softwaregiant gradually on. Through the use of an activeringsprocedure became the already much with difficulty a copy of Windows turning to get - already remained it no problem for the shrewd surfer. On the internet within the shortest times, hackprogramma's and losgekoppelde series numbers were commit of large to find.

Last year in September, Microsoft began to experiment with Windows Genuine Advantage, A control on the series number by the downloading of extraatjes for Windows XP. Initially there was must totally no obligation round the control step to doorlopen, from now it thus wl. The control moreover is obliged for who the Windows Update-positions want to use.

The step is less good news for users that not paid for their Windows-version. That their pc of one day on the others with works do not stops, but they become source important updates denied. Finally are left there by the failing from the control only two choices: at Microsoft prove that you not know that you an illegal Windows XP use (for instance through the sending in of the false Windows-disk and the filling in of a so-called piracy-report) or still pay for the software. That last one can also online and expense something more than an upgrade, but something less then a retailversie of Windows XP Home or Professional.

Ina Fried, CNet.