Barney's Blog

Blog archive

Copy Protection Works

Most of us hate copy protection, not because we want to steal software, but because it too often gets in the way of legitimate use. But according to the Business Software Alliance, protection works. Since launching the Genuine Software initiative, sales of Windows are up and piracy is down, the organization believes.

Windows Genuine Advantage isn't copy protection in the old sense of the word -- through dongles and so forth. No, here Microsoft pings your computer, checks if it's legit and -- if it isn't -- disables some of its features 'til you buy the real thing.

Personally, I'd rather have a dongle.

What about you? Are there protection schemes you can live with? Let us know by writing me at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on November 26, 2007


Featured