hulksterjoe
07-27-2005, 01:47 PM
I just received this from my MS rep... take note that it is possible for a limited time to go legit and get a free copy, or even one at a discount
I am sure you are hearing some info on this, but I wanted to give you a heads up on the next phase of the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) program. Info and experience can be seen on www.microsoft.com/genuine . This is the program that gives end users added value for using genuine legally licensed Windows and reduces the value for those using counterfeit or pirated Windows. This is great stuff.
We continue to see new strains of counterfeit product (and some looks pretty real) and piracy. WGA is one of our tools to help clean up counterfeit and mischanneled Windows and Office products. Please, if you have customers buying PC's without Windows preinstalled let me know so I can help. Please let them know about piracy, and the WGA program. We are tightening up so help your customers be legit! They will thank you for it, as will I.
Details: WGA version 1.0 is planned for launch on July 26! At that time, customers will be required to validate their copy of Windows prior to accessing most Windows XP related content from the Download Center and the Windows Update site, with the exception of security updates.
The biggest changes customers will see between the pilot and version 1.0 are:
Validation will now be required to receive most Windows downloads through Download Center. During the pilot, users could still receive downloads even if they were unable to validate.
If customers are unable to validate, Microsoft has developed a special genuine Windows offer designed to assist customers who are victims of counterfeit software. This new offer, available for a limited time only to qualifying customers, provides two options: (1) a complimentary copy of genuine of Windows XP for customers that submit a qualifying counterfeit Windows disc, a report naming the reseller, and proof of purchase; or (2) an online key available directly from Microsoft, at a special price for customers that submit a report naming the reseller.
Security updates are available to all Windows users–with or without WGA validation–via Download Center or Automatic Updates.
The Microsoft Update and Windows Update sites will also require validation for Windows-related downloads (announced in January). While the security updates available on Windows Update are available from other sources, Windows Update offers genuine Windows customers a premium service experience, which scans for necessary updates and queues them up for easy installation.
The WGA validation logic has been enhanced, and will no longer require entry of a 25-character product key. While customer reaction to the program overall has been very good, the few complaints we’ve received have centered on the inconvenience of key entry.
I am sure you are hearing some info on this, but I wanted to give you a heads up on the next phase of the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) program. Info and experience can be seen on www.microsoft.com/genuine . This is the program that gives end users added value for using genuine legally licensed Windows and reduces the value for those using counterfeit or pirated Windows. This is great stuff.
We continue to see new strains of counterfeit product (and some looks pretty real) and piracy. WGA is one of our tools to help clean up counterfeit and mischanneled Windows and Office products. Please, if you have customers buying PC's without Windows preinstalled let me know so I can help. Please let them know about piracy, and the WGA program. We are tightening up so help your customers be legit! They will thank you for it, as will I.
Details: WGA version 1.0 is planned for launch on July 26! At that time, customers will be required to validate their copy of Windows prior to accessing most Windows XP related content from the Download Center and the Windows Update site, with the exception of security updates.
The biggest changes customers will see between the pilot and version 1.0 are:
Validation will now be required to receive most Windows downloads through Download Center. During the pilot, users could still receive downloads even if they were unable to validate.
If customers are unable to validate, Microsoft has developed a special genuine Windows offer designed to assist customers who are victims of counterfeit software. This new offer, available for a limited time only to qualifying customers, provides two options: (1) a complimentary copy of genuine of Windows XP for customers that submit a qualifying counterfeit Windows disc, a report naming the reseller, and proof of purchase; or (2) an online key available directly from Microsoft, at a special price for customers that submit a report naming the reseller.
Security updates are available to all Windows users–with or without WGA validation–via Download Center or Automatic Updates.
The Microsoft Update and Windows Update sites will also require validation for Windows-related downloads (announced in January). While the security updates available on Windows Update are available from other sources, Windows Update offers genuine Windows customers a premium service experience, which scans for necessary updates and queues them up for easy installation.
The WGA validation logic has been enhanced, and will no longer require entry of a 25-character product key. While customer reaction to the program overall has been very good, the few complaints we’ve received have centered on the inconvenience of key entry.