A validation test is being used to determine if a Chinese computer is using fake versions of Windows and Microsoft Office. Once Microsoft initiates the test, a user's computer screen will turn black every 60 minutes if it fails validation, according to the Shanghai Daily.

The move has sparked outrage by consumer advocates in China. Bloggers on a Chinese media Web site, Sina.com, wondered if Microsoft's cracking down on piracy would actually put an end to piracy in that country.

Microsoft has responded by referencing its Windows Genuine Advantage Program, which helps users determine if the Windows software they are running is counterfeit. Alex Kochis, Microsoft's director of product management for genuine Windows, said in a blog post that the program will give users a chance to see if the software they are using is genuine.

The Office version of Genuine Advantage was originally launched in four countries this spring -- Chile, Italy, Spain and Turkey -- and so far more than 10 million users have validated their software, according to the company.

Clamping Down

A Chinese attorney, outraged by Microsoft's action, has filed a complaint with China's Ministry of Public Security, according to the newspaper China Daily. The attorney told China Daily that he understands why Microsoft would want to protect its software, but said the company should go after the producers of the fake software.

Microsoft initiated and was assisted by the FBI and China's Public Security Bureau in many raids and arrests in China last year after a multi-year investigation into a major counterfeiting syndicate based in Guangong, a province of Southern China. The syndicate allegedly manufactured and distributed more than $2 billion worth of Microsoft software.

"As part of its anti-piracy efforts, Microsoft launched an Office Genuine Advantage notifications program in China," according to Scott Buchanan of the Microsoft Office team. "OGA is part of Microsoft's commitment to protect its customers and partners from counterfeiters."

"Customers with genuine Office will not be impacted by notifications. Customers using non-genuine Office will receive dialog-box alerts and will be directed to options to get genuine," Buchanan said.

The OGA alert, unlike the Windows alert, does not create a black screen but instead uses pop-up windows asking the user to verify the software. (continued...)

1  |  2  |  Next Page >