Is ‘Windows Genuine Advantage’ Genuine Spyware?

Microsoft has been collecting on a daily basis information on users who have opted into the company’s Genuine Advantage anti-piracy program, it seemed like time to separate FUD from fact.

Here is Microsoft Watch’s attempt to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked Windows Genuine Advantage questions.

Q: What is Genuine Advantage?

A: WGA is Microsoft’s latest program designed to thwart software piracy. It is designed to check whether consumer and small-business customers are running legitimately licensed copies of Windows XP.

Click here to read more about Windows Genuine Advantage in Microsoft Office.

There are two components to WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage): WGA validation and WGA notifications. Validation determines whether the copy of Windows installed is pirated or not.

Notifications nag users who Microsoft believes are not running “genuine Windows” and “suggest” where they can “learn more about the benefits of using genuine Windows software.”

Microsoft launched WGA in September 2004. Since then, Microsoft has expanded its WGA pilots around the world. In April 2006, Microsoft announced that it plans to apply Genuine Advantage to Office, as well.

Q: Do I have to validate my Microsoft software? Or is it optional to do so?

A:The Validation component of WGA became mandatory in July 2005 for Windows XP users looking to download any kinds of Windows-related updates and fixes.

Read the full story on eWEEK.com: What’s Genuine About Windows Genuine Advantage?

CIO Insight Staff
CIO Insight Staff
CIO Insight offers thought leadership and best practices in the IT security and management industry while providing expert recommendations on software solutions for IT leaders. It is the trusted resource for security professionals who need network monitoring technology and solutions to maintain regulatory compliance for their teams and organizations.

Get the Free Newsletter!

Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends, and analysis.

Latest Articles