MS Software Protection Technology - Vista Twister

[GhostShip]

This is a good read for those who enjoy watching the battle between the corporations and the crackers.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060627-7143.html

The exact details of the "new approach" to VLKs ( volume licensing Keys ) haven't been made clear, but Ward Ralston, a senior technology product manager at Microsoft, has confirmed that the company is "introducing the notion of a key management server" for Windows Vista Server. This program will require licensed customers to check in their keys and Client Access Licenses (CALs) every 30 days, via an automatic reporting process.
The procedure for the Vista client will likely not require a key management server, but may also "phone home" periodically to report on the status of various VLK installs.

Microsoft has been slowly introducing more and more antipiracy controls with its software products ever since CD keys made their debut with Windows 95. Windows XP introduced product activation (WPA) that combined CD keys with a hardware hash generated at install time.
Corporate editions did not require activation so Microsoft came up with the idea of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA).

While WGA was cracked early and often, Microsoft continues to make changes to the program to defeat the crackers, including embedding new versions of the WGA check into the installation executable for programs like the Internet Explorer 7 beta. At some point, many casual pirates may decide that chasing down all the cracks is simply too much effort.

I agree I think a more reasonable software cracker should use their obvious talent in ensuring more folks use Linux.

Paying Microsoft a single cent for a consumer unfriendly operating system like vista is like throwing water over yourself, this company makes the villians in orwells "1984" look good, while offering nothing that is of benefit to the consumer.

[SamSeeSam]

I can't understand what makes them think crackers will erm... 'give up'
It will take a little bit more time to be avaiable that's all
Instead of a minute after its release, mabye an hour ..
Most folks who download have the patience to wait and hence that will not be a problem.
Best solution, no hassle too: Why upgrade in the first place? Or mabye as pointed out... Linux will be good enough

One thing... does the activation key ask YOU to check or does it do the job on its own?

[KM]

useful for those with no Internet connection...

unless of course they have a "don't keep checking all the time" option in which case, erm... yeh, useful feature that automatic checking...