Dear Editor,
- In his article "Windows of opportunity to achieve an electronic nirvana" (Post, Feb 15), Chris Tomlinson says that Microsoft will shortly be preventing owners of pirated copies of Windows from accessing critical updates that will help protect them from viruses and other security threats. This is incorrect.
Through the Windows Genuine Advantage programme that we will introduce in the second half of 2005, Windows XP users will continue to have access to critical security updates no matter where they obtained their software.
However, those who use pirated or illegal versions will no longer be able to access the new benefits and enhancements that we will make available to users of genuine software.
We believe that the vast majority of consumers wish to purchase, use, and benefit from genuine Microsoft products.
Therefore, to the best of our ability, we wish to protect consumers from high quality counterfeits and other types of piracy.
For many years, Microsoft has worked closely with various software vendors, the police and other law enforcement agencies to reduce the levels of software piracy. The Windows Genuine Advantage programme is part of our ongoing efforts to help eradicate counterfeit software, and more than five million users have voluntarily joined this programme.
ALEX HILTON
Group Manager, Channel Enforcement & Licence Management
Microsoft Ltd.
