Probably one of the most hated parts of Windows are its anti-piracy measures - product activation and Windows Genuine Advantage. While most people acknowledge Microsoft's right to implement these measures, many have also been bitten by the measures' shortcomings, such as server outages or false positives. Microsoft blogger Ed Bott has been monitoring WGA since its inception, and in 2006 and 2007 he didn't give a passing grade to WGA ("a big fat F"). This year, the situation has improved somewhat, earning Microsoft a passing grade - barely.
To view parent comment, click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2005-09-21
Apple's situation is a bit different from Microsoft's.
OS X unless patched will not run on non Apple computers, and even if you do get it going, chances are there is a lot of hardware in your PC that just wont work with it, or certain features that just don't function. The only crowd they would seriously have to worry about is the up graders, and with how much they make on their hardware, I doubt that is an issue.
If it becomes an issue they will do the same, nearly every company that produces a quality (?), closed source, for profit program will eventually try various ways to make sure people aren't "damaging their profits" by illegally obtaining their product.
I mean, you wouldn't want those board of directors to only be able to take their yacht out 3 times a year because piracy didn't give them that million dollar bonus they needed to survive would you? 
Member since:2006-10-01
I disagree with your assessment of why they are different.
You say it is because the software only runs on Apple hardware. I say it is because Apple sells hardware that happens to have a different OS, as opposed to Microsoft and Adobe who only sells software. This means Apple is not nearly as desperate to make sure that everyone using their software paid for it. Instead they make their profits from iPods and iMacs. Microsoft and Adobe do not have the luxury of making money off real things.
And the status of the executive yacht is not my concern ;p
Edited 2008-09-08 04:13 UTC
Member since:2007-07-31
OSX server bans invalid unlimited license serials that it finds cutting down the features until a new one is updated.
I should know because I've errrr ... seen it... yes that's it.
In my strange world, apple should owe me money for running it on 450mhz G4 cube hardly taking advantage of thier OS.
I dont believe OSX client does the same although I've never seen any kinda of phone home activation other than that in any Apple software so far.
Member since:
2006-10-01
I've never had a problem with WGA either. I'm just a bit annoyed about the, "You are potentially a criminal so we are going to watch you" attitude. I find that reason enough to hate WGA.
And you say all famous software companies require it. I've never seen apple require validation for OSX. I know this because there are people who will pool money, buy one OSX upgrade disk and use that on all their computers.