To make good on the tough stand against piracy, Microsoft said users with unauthorized copies would be denied access to several of the operating system’s new features, including Windows Aero, an improved graphic technology.
If a user with a pirated copy does not purchase a legitimate copy within 30 days, the system will end functionality by restricting Internet browser access to one hour at a time, Microsoft product manager Thomas Lindeman said.
According to Lindeman, users on restricted access would be able to go online, access hard drive documents and web-based email. But the user would be barred from directly opening documents on the desktop and would not be able to run other programs such as Outlook.
Lindeman said the new Vista system would be able to perform some piracy checks without having to contact Microsoft.
While Microsoft has taken steps to thwart piracy in the past, the Vista countermeasures mark the first attempt to disable computers with unauthorized software.
"Our goal is to really make a differentiated experience for genuine and non-genuine users," said Cori Hartje, director of Microsoft’s Genuine Software Initiative.
Endpoint Technologies Associates analyst Roger Kay said Microsoft has a legal right to institute the harsh anti-piracy protections, but added the company would likely face some level of consumer backlash.
After numerous delays, Vista is expected to be available for businesses in November and consumers in January.
