Microsoft's Genuine Advantage plans

In a further expansion of its anti-piracy program, Microsoft is building more 'Genuine' checks directly into Windows Vista, and is expanding the program to target not just consumers, but PC makers and system builders.

To date, with its Genuine Advantage anti-piracy programs, Microsoft has targeted consumers. Windows and Office users have been required to validate their products as "genuine" before being able to obtain many downloads and add-ons. Come this fall, however, the Redmond software maker is planning to turn up the Genuine Advantage heat in two ways: By baking more Genuine Advantage checks directly into Windows Vista, and by taking aim at PC makers, system builders, Internet cafes and other sources of potentially pirated software..