Posted 9 декабря 2009,, 13:02

Published 9 декабря 2009,, 13:02

Modified 17 сентября 2022,, 13:30

Updated 17 сентября 2022,, 13:30

Microsoft Launches Anti-Piracy System in Russia

9 декабря 2009, 13:02
The corporation has announced the launching of the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Notifications tool, global technological means of protecting users against piracy.

MOSCOW. December 9. VOSTOK-MEDIA – Microsoft has announced the launching of the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Notifications tool, global technological means of protecting users against piracy, in Russia. Since 9th December, 2009, Russian users will receive WGA Notifications installation package.


According to a spokesman for Microsoft, WGA Notifications is a mechanism in Windows XP for notifying customers that their system might be non-genuine. After authentication of a copy of Windows XP, the user can enjoy all the advantages of a licensed version, namely to receive technical support and software updates and feel well protected against the risks of using counterfeit software.


If your copy of Windows XP is pirated, WGA Notifications will popup reminders on the desktop to help you take appropriate steps to remedy the situation. After restarting of the computer the wallpaper will turn black. You can change the desktop wallpaper to whatever you want, but the notifications will remain, and every 60 minutes it will revert back to the black screen. In addition, there will be a translucent notice in the lower right-hand section of the screen that the user cannot get rid of.


“The current version of WGA Notifications was launched worldwide about six months ago,” Denis Gooz, Microsoft Department of Licensed Software Promotion, stated. “Unlike the previous versions of the programme, the new version does not provide for reverting to reduced functionality mode for detected pirated copies. This is especially important for Russia, since the majority of Russian users still use pirated software unaware of the fact that they are using unlicensed version as well as of all the relevant risks. Our objective is not to punish all users of pirated software in Russia but to raise awareness among them of the problem in question and encourage them in taking conscious decision to switch to the licensed version”.


The notification of the unlicensed version of Windows XP provides a user with detailed information on the various ways to buy licensed version of Windows. In addition, the process of licensed version purchasing is adjusted for Russia in collaboration with local partners and provides for a simple way of buying it via the Internet as well as convenient methods of payment and delivery throughout Russia.


“In Russia alone, the losses caused by piracy amount to $4 billion yearly. Moreover, piracy damages not only the entire economy but also every company and ordinary users. A recent study conducted by Microsoft showed that the error rate increases considerably when using pirated version and the errors may have more critical consequences and the cost of errors elimination is several times higher than that of the licensed software. In this regard Windows Genuine Advantage is an effective tool for the protection of individual and corporate users from the risks related to using counterfeit software,” Timur Farukshin, head of research programs at IDC, stated.


“Such technologies have several advantages. First, it’s getting more difficult for unscrupulous computer and software vendors to deceive their clients installing unauthorized copies of software under the guise of the licensed one. Second, raising awareness among users helps to minimize the risks (economic and external-economic). In addition, the notification technologies have an educational aspect – adults realize that if some problems occur they won’t be able to come up with an infantile excuse, feigning naive ignorance,” Dmitry Sokolov, Director of Nonprofit Partnership of Software Suppliers, said.


The installation of WGA Notifications is optional and is performed only if a user accepts license agreement. While validating, WGA collects no data to identify or contact user.

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