Well, here is something that will have quite a few people upset - Microsoft has announced that it will be limiting access to most software updates to users who authenticate their Windows software. In an effort to broaden its anti-piracy policy (or increase profits, rather) a pilot program that currently encourages mainly US users to reveal the identity of their operating system will be extended to 20 new languages in February.
Microsoft will leverage its download content and access to updates for its software, such as additional content, patches and security fixes, to make purchasing its software more attractive: A pilot program was launched in September of last year, that encouraged users to type in the serial number of their operating system, before they were able to download additional content such as the firm's recently announced anti-spyware.