Microsoft’s Big Vista Licensing Push

Microsoft has tightened the screws on Vista activation as to contain their problems with software piracy. Microsoft’s Genuine Advantage Program (GAP) (a software stub that is installed from Windows Update) tests the validity of the Windows installation and will notify an end user (quite obnoxiously) when their Windows license is out of compliance.

Machines that fail GAP – euphorically referred to as “non-genuine” – will suffer a number of performnce penalties:

1. A Constant Desktop Warning. Every time you login, boot, and use Windows, it will complain.

2. Aero and ReadyBoost features are disabled in Vista, crippling the best new features of the o/s.

3. Non-critical software updates through Windows Update are denied.

4. Possibility of the system moving into a “reduced functionality” state. Interesting: the partner communication from Microsoft suggests that …”In reduced functionality, users will experience no desktop, no start menu, or task bar, and Windows Vista will be limited to the default web browser for one (1) hour periods.” So, after a period of time, Vista will become functionally crippled in every useful sense.

So the moral of the story is to understand your licensing state; particularly important for small businesses who don’t want to be dragged down by Microsoft’s attempts to sure-up their piracy problems.

Genuine Management Software can be found here.

Piracy Reporting can be done here.

How to tell if you’re running a legimate Microsoft license can be found here.

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