Windows Genuine Advantage programme
The Windows Genuine Advantage programme is Microsoft's latest attempt to eradicate the use of unlicensed versions of its operating systems. The Windows Genuine Advantage programme verifies that you have a genuine copy of Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows 2000 operating systems installed on your computer.
The validation process collects information about your system, such as Windows product key, PC manufacturer, and operating system version, to determine if your copy of Windows is genuine. Microsoft assures us that the process does not collect or send any information back to them that can be used to identify you or contact you.
If you request a download from the Microsoft Download Center, you will be prompted to complete the validation process. You can choose not to validate your Windows download at this time but, if you do not you will be prompted again next time new updates are released. If you validate your download, Microsoft promises faster access to the Download Center in the future, when validation may be a requirement. The validation process is not mandatory if you wish only to download Microsoft security updates but it will be required for other Microsoft downloads.
After successful validation, a Microsoft Windows Download Key is stored on your system for future use. You are then returned to the initial download details page to obtain your requested download. Future downloads will not be subject to the same time-consuming procedures, as your Download Key will be checked automatically.
If you purchased a copy of Windows XP (Home or Professional) or Windows 2000, either from IT Services or from the PC manufacturer, you can be sure you are using a genuine Microsoft product. If there is any suspicion that your copy of Windows may be counterfeit please contact the Helpdesk immediately.
You can read more about the Windows Genuine Advantage programme at:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx
A similar, but separate, scheme is available for Microsoft Office 2003 updates and downloads. You can read more about this at:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/office/default.mspx
©