Microsoft product activation debate
|
|
Microsoft's product activation system, used on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Microsoft Office, has become the subject of much debate, primarily because it was the first widespread use of a product activation system.
Critics claim the product activation is inconvenient. Users must reactivate their product if they change 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.
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.
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.
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 a Volume Licence)
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 Volume Licence version of XP which 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.
Criticism from users
- "I can't use the software in any way I want to, regardless if it is legally permitted or not" (http://news.com.com/2009-1001-251044.html?legacy=cnet) - Jennifer Granick, director of Stanford University's Center for Internet and Society.
- CNET article with criticism (http://news.com.com/2100-1001-269085.html?legacy=cnet)
- PC World article with criticism (http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,53025,00.asp)