Tech Shout!

Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Vista will take much harsher steps to prevent piracy, than previous versions of its operating system. One such method to curtail piracy includes crippling the usefulness of computers, which are found to be running unlicensed copies of the new Windows Vista software.

On Wednesday, software giant, Microsoft Inc. said that people running a version of Windows Vista that it believes to be pirated, will initially be denied access to some of the most anticipated Vidta features. One such feature includes Windows Aero, which is an improved graphics technology.

“If a legitimate copy is not purchased within 30 days, the system will curtail functionality even further by restricting users to just the Web browser for an hour at a time” , said Thomas Lindeman, Microsoft senior product manager. Under that scenario, a person could use the browser to surf the Web, access documents on the hard drive or log onto Web-based email. But the user will not be able to directly open documents from the computer desktop or run other programs such as Outlook e-mail software.

So basically, Microsoft has said that it will not stop a computer using prated Vista software from working completely. It will also continue to deliver critical security updates.

The company also said it has added more sophisticated technology for monitoring whether a system is pirated. For example, the system will be able to perform some piracy checks internally, without contacting Microsoft, Lindeman said. Microsoft also is adding ways to more closely monitor for piracy among big corporate users, who tend to buy licenses in bulk.

Microsoft plans to take similar tough measures with the forthcoming version of its Windows server software, dubbed “Longhorn,” and to incorporate it into other products down the road.

Cori Hartje, director of Microsoft’s Genuine Software Initiative, said the company now wants users to notice the difference between legal and pirated copies of Vista. “Our goal is to really make a differentiated experience for genuine and non-genuine users,” Hartje said.