For those who are not aware on the latest happenings on the Windows Updates, Microsoft has implemented their latest version of Windows Genuine Activation (WGA). Two WGA components are being pushed onto your Windows XP system via Windows Automatic Updates without adequate notification to the user. When installed and upon bootup, this component will check to see if your copy of Windows XP is genuine or not. Users with un-activated version of Windows XP will be receiving notification that "you have been a victim of a counterfeit software" and resources to important updates will be cut off. Yes, in other words, you are running a pirated copy of their Windows XP System.

WGA is Microsoft latest move to combat software piracy (See Microsft WGA Press Releases here). But it seems that this latest move stirs controversy and the computing industry unwelcome this latest bully.

Dave Pollack's letter to Dave Farber in his Interesting People blog regarding his experience in WGA while trying to install Microsoft Windows Live OneCare antivirus:

=============================================

I like to review updates before they are installed. The only update that I have not installed is the latest WGA because of the security issues related to it.

I called Microsoft support to see if there is a hidden option to say, "yep, I've got updates turned to manual... it's okay." The rep said, "No and why wouldn't you want to get the latest updates to Windows."

I responded with the issues relating to WGA. He spent some time telling me that WGA was a good thing, etc. I reiterated that I have accepted all the updates except WGA and just want to review the updates before they're installed on my machine.

He told me that "in the fall, having the latest WGA will become mandatory and if its not installed, Windows will give a 30 day warning and when the 30 days is up and WGA isn't installed, Windows will stop working, so you might as well install WGA now." [emphasis on me]

I'm wondering if Microsoft has the right to disable Windows functionality or the OS as a whole (tantamount to revoking my legitimate Windows license) if I do not install every piece of software that they send it updates. ==============================================

Ed Bott in his zdnet blog mentions that 20% of all WGA failures doesn't come from Pirated keys. This 20% comes from uncategorized factors.

Currently, Windows XP users can opt-out on this update and still continue to receive updates and patches. The only thing that you will give up with this option is the ability to download optional crucial updates for security patches. Uh-oh. Isn't that what updates are for?

Rumor has it that if Microsoft are able to detect which PC is running a pirated copy of their software, then they have the ability to make your Windows XP to stop from running.

Microsoft is quick to deny its "Kill-Switch" plan and refused to answer on this subject matter further. With WGA expected to be implemented worldwide before 2006 ends, we will still be in their mercy if they will push the switch or not.

Watch out for my blogs ambatchdotcom.ruelbermudez.com and blog.ruelbermudez.com for more updates on this news.