A step up from Windows Genuine Advantage that is in force today, Microsoft will have an enhanced set of tools in use that will attempt to prevent piracy of their newest operating system, Windows Vista. Microsoft isn't depriving the computer of the OS, however, but just it's pretty interface. The new eye-candy that people have been fawning over, Aero, will not be started by the OS until Vista has checked to see if it was properly purchased.
"Those who are not running genuine Windows will not be able to take advantage of the Windows Aero user experience," a Microsoft representative told CNET News.com on Wednesday.
While some may wonder as to the merits and effectiveness of this tactic, it probably does go a bit deeper, and updates may be deprived for the OS as well. Or maybe it's just Microsoft's way of saying "piraters want fast machines, not pretty machines." Interesting.