If, by ‘tough’, you mean they are giving away real copies of their software to people currently using pirated versions. That’s what you meant by ‘tough,’ right?

“Kicking off its Windows XP Counterfeit Project, the software giant has invited ‘anyone unsure as to the legitimacy of their Windows XP software’ to submit their products for analysis.

Software that is found to be counterfeit will be replaced for free subject to the terms and conditions of its offer, Microsoft promised.”

Source: vnunet.com

I’m currently using the very first legitimate copy of Windows I’ve ever had at home. Ever. And I’m only using this one because my job bought me a full MSDN subscription so I get Microsoft software for free.

Why am I quick to admit I’ve stolen Microsoft’s products in the past? What makes me think that’s ok?

Well, consider that the last version of Windows was released around the same time as the last version of the Mac OS. Understand that while those are the two most common operating systems in the world, Windows’ lead is comprised of nearly 90% of computer-owners, all of whom have machines not compatible with the Apple OC. Lastly, remember that the Windows XP Pro operating system was launched with a $295 price tag, a single-user liscence, a serial number scheme, required registration, and pesky online activation process that had most people on the phone with Microsoft asking for permission to install legitimate software. Mac users were greeted with OS X, a ground-level reinvention of the MacIntosh operating system that arguably took more time and money in it’s development than all previously released Mac OSes combined. This package cost $90, had no online activation, or even a serial number. None. Install and go and enjoy the single largest leap forward Apple has ever made in an OS.

In addition to the hoops MS had us jumping through just to install, we are asked on an almost daily basis to install updates, patches, and service packs to suppliment what is apparently an OS wrought with holes. That is, some of us are asked. Most of us didn’t uncheck the little box that gives Microsoft access to our machines to install and uninstall as they please and monitor certain tranfers in and out of our homes. We, by the way, were offered no compensation for the invaluable security, public image fuel, and promotional marketing information Microsoft has gotten from us in that way.

Why was Microsoft able to get away with demanding so much from it’s consumers? Because they’re the only game in town. When your only viable options are Linux or Mac, you realize you have no viable options. This is the monopoly that Microsoft says it does not have. Linux can’t run the vast majority of commonly used and industry-standard software, and using Mac OS involves buying a new machine which is not compatible with your old one, or with any of the software you’ve already spent thousands on. Without Windows you may not be able to dial in from home or bring files back from the office. You’re new copy of Half-Life 2 and you’re $800 Photoshop CS liscence won’t work. The only option is to accept the price gouge and anti-piracy runaround and buy Microsoft.

So, in short: When MS releases the next version of Windows and you spend all your money buying a new system running a 64 bit spec just so you can run it correctly, just remember that the best way to get a legitimate copy from Microsoft may be to steal it in the first place.

Microsoft gets tough with XP pirates