Microsoft product activation debate
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Microsoft's product activation system, first introduced on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Microsoft Office, has become the subject of much debate. It was the first widespread use of a product activation system, and Microsoft started to take control over the computer in a way that makes many users feel uncomfortable.
Critics complain that the product activation is inconvenient. Microsoft checks the system every now and then without asking or showing this to the user. Users must reactivate their product if they change a significant amount of hardware or reinstall the operating system, and if the product is activated too many times, the user must contact Microsoft by telephone to reactivate the product. Activation over the telephone is a time-consuming process, involving the entry of a 48 digits Confirmation ID [1].
Proponents claim that product activation is handled in a professional manner. Microsoft does not require the user to register their product to activate, nor do they require any personally identifiable information. Because of the nature of the activation system, Microsoft cannot even determine the unique serial numbers in your computer from the Installation ID. Moreover, Microsoft has handled their call center well; most users report hold times of less than five minutes [2]. However, the data being sent to Microsoft during the activation process is heavily encrypted; it is not possible to know what is being sent to Microsoft, causing great concern among those concerned about privacy and information transparency.
Activation still remains controversial. It can often be a hindrance or inconvenience to those who do a lot of changes of their hardware regularly (such as hardware reviewers). Moreover, if the user has to reinstall their operating system, they will often be forced to call Microsoft to reactivate.
It is also controversial for the operating system to have product activation. If Windows XP's product activation stops the process of loading Windows, then the user cannot use any of the other software either, even that which is nothing to do with Microsoft or their copyrights, because it is an OS that applications run on. It is also argued that legitimate buyers of Windows XP could be denied use of their product if their CD key were ever used illegitimately [3].
Microsoft introduced this scheme in order to prevent copyright infringement, and what Microsoft terms "casual copying", where a purchaser of a product gives a friend a copy of the CD or where the purchaser installs the software on multiple computers (which normally requires multiple licenses).
Activation, however, has done little to curb casual copying. Many casual copiers have simply resorted to using activation cracks, which circumvent the activation system. In addition, there is a corporate version of Windows XP Professional when used with a Volume License Key requires no activation whatsoever; this edition has become extremely popular among people who don’t wish to use product activation, including people using unlicensed copies of the program. Those who have been truly hurt are those who unknowingly buy cracked copies of Windows from retailers, or have it installed for them by unscrupulous repairers. Microsoft has cracked-down on such users by making Windows Genuine Advantage mandatory for downloading updates and freebies on Microsoft's website.
