Microsoft Corp’s upcoming Windows Vista computer operating system will include technology that is designed to prevent pirated copies from fully functioning, the software giant said.
Reduced functionality is already a part of the Windows XP activation process, but Windows Vista will have a reduced functionality mode that is enhanced, Microsoft said on its Web site on Wednesday.
Microsoft said the upcoming releases of Windows Vista and also Windows Server “Longhorn” will be the first two products to ship with the new anti-piracy measures included, but more Microsoft products will eventually adopt the technology.
Windows Vista systems must activate with Microsoft as genuine within 30 days and failure to do so will result in “reduced functionality mode” until successful validation occurs, Microsoft said.
Customers that use genuine versions of Windows Vista will get an enhanced set of features that will not work on non-genuine or unlicensed versions of Vista, it said.