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MS Adds Genuine Advantage Goodies

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

March 30, 2005, 12:23 PM

Microsoft announced Wednesday that it will be adding benefits to the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program it launched last fall, which requires users to validate their Windows license in exchange for special perks at the Microsoft Download Center. Users with genuine versions of Windows will now be able to download Language Interface Packs, or LIPs.

LIPs are add-ons to the operating system that will allow the user to change some of the commonly used features into their native language, above the 24 languages in which Windows is already released.

Currently, 22 LIPs are offered through the company's Local Language Program (LLP), with plans to add more at the rate of "several per month" through the end of this year.

"For customers the LLP and LIPs allow people around the world to work with PCs - some for the first time - in their native languages," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews.

The first LIP to require Windows validation will be released in Vietnam. Microsoft is ostensibly trying to stop piracy at its source; in many countries where these LIPs will be useful to users, piracy of Windows software is rampant.

Microsoft was quick to maintain that while WGA is necessary in order to use advanced features of its operating system, essential security updates will be sent to all users whether or not they have validated their copy of Windows. However, it is apparent validated customers will receive the red carpet treatment.

"Microsoft wants to continue to add value for genuine Windows customers -- for customers in all languages -- and build on the success of WGA," the spokesperson said.

Add a Comment (12 Comments)

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By amitpagarwal

posted Mar 31, 2005 - 3:20 AM

It was also meant for genuine users but later the condition was removed.

http://labnol.blogspot.c...iracy-provide-free.html

Score: 0

By Ainvar

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 3:17 PM

In one week there will be pirated copies of these lips floating around everywhere for these countries that are running rampant wiht pirated software.

MS is in a battle it can never win. What they need to do is make the software more affordable that average everyday people can afford it without having to buy a brand new PC. Quit trying to make a quick buck with something they started rolling out free to get everyone hooked. Close up the security issues and basically build a better mousetrap.

I think windows will prevail over linux for abut 7 more years tops by that time all the drivers that makes all the hardware run all smoothly and pretty will be available in linux and all games will be able to run in linux.

I am by no means a linux junkie most of my boxes run windows 2k, 2k3, or xp pro with all the latest updates and what not. But it is losing its luster. I use windows mainly for gaming and for office 2k3.

The perks they will give out for so called legal customers will be a joke to us but to MS it will be a big deal and they think everyone will need it. These are not perks but actualy slaps in the face for us consumers.

Wake up MS before you are further in the crapper with us and learn to listen to your customers that make you the money that the b oard memeber are only interested in.

Score: 0

By eunichman

posted Mar 31, 2005 - 3:08 AM

Ronald Regan - one time poresident of the US, lowered taxes during his administration in an attempt to get more people who werent paying taxes and avoiding it and all - to pay taxes, thus increasing tax revenues..

It worked, more people paid their taxes, the government made more money and the consumer overall benefited by having lowered taxes, each consumer being less burdened by taxes.

Microsoft would benefit from this lesson, as would many sioftware makers (hardware makers already learned this lesson, lower prices, sell more units, make less per unit but through sheer volumne of sales, they actually profit more)

Score: 0

By AaronDobbins

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 4:55 PM

You can download songs in multiple formats from multiple sites on the internet for less than one buck and people still pirate music...affordability has little do with it as much as people do not like to pay for things.

Score: 0

By mancub

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 4:26 PM

agree with you but try serif page plus ten just as good as 2003 off,and a Dan site cheaper also has more going for it

Score: 0

By pjlasl

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 1:29 PM

To download the LIP you need a genuine key, i understand this. This I don't understand "in many countries where these LIPs will be useful to users, piracy of Windows software is rampant."...how are they going to get the LIPs with pirated version of windows, and how is this going to help with piracy?!?!?!

Score: 0

By AaronDobbins

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 1:43 PM

I think that is the point. It encourages people who own illegal copies of Windows to go legit so they can get the LIPs. Because these countries where LIPs are most useful also have the most rampant piracy, it is incentive to go legit.

Score: 0

By PhoenixPath

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 2:46 PM

Until some warez-kiddie puts the updates on the P2P 3-Ring Circus.

Never really understood the concept behind blocking updates to pirates. If they got the OS, how hard can it be for them to get the updates?

This might cut down on the use of non-intentional pirating (user bought from 3rd party, 3rd party uses non-legit copies, etc..) But I can't see it having much effect on the people who are downloading the OS as "Warez".

Score: 0

By TwoTailedFox

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 4:19 PM

The WGA program will prevent you from either accessing Windows Update, or from downloading Windows Updates via Microsoft.com, if the XP Pro VLK is not within the 640 PID range.

Although there is a keygen that does make specific Cd-Keys for Specific PID's.

Score: 0

By raboo

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 7:56 PM

use autopatcher.com

no need for windows update, legit keys, etc...

theres also many other ways to obtain legal updates from MS without a valid key, and without using their windows update site.

think outside the box..

Score: 0

By terminalx

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 8:41 PM

What MS needs to do is people who own a legit copy of windows should get a discount rather then paying full price like everyone else...yes there is the UPGRADE version which is a joke b/c if your pc crashes or you buy a new pc its useless
they need to offer customers who keep paying $200 -$300 for every OS half priced or some other incentive b/c the wga right now honestly is a joke theres nothing there that really goes wow! If I register this I ll get windows 2004 winter fun pack!
I can see everyone wanting to verify for THAT ....

Score: 0

By LinuxIsTheft

posted Mar 30, 2005 - 10:50 PM

"yes there is the UPGRADE version which is a joke b/c if your pc crashes or you buy a new pc its useless"

What are you talking about? It isn't useless. To install an upgrade version of Windows on a new PC or one with a replaced drive, you just insert the CD for the old version of Windows when the new install asks for proof of owning an old version.

Score: 0

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