Microsoft said that its Windows Update service, which was used to deliver fixes for insecure code among other things, should now only be available to owners of genuine installations.
It shall, however, continue to make it available via Automatic Updates, the non-user-initiated version of Windows Update, to "help customers who may require more time to move to genuine Windows software".

The company did not specify when and if it will start restricting Automatic Updates in a similar fashion.

The move, technically an expansion of the formerly optional Genuine Advantage program introduced in September, will cover almost all software delivered via Windows Update or the Microsoft Download Center.

From the second half of this year, to get software through either of these services, users will have to submit to the Genuine Advantage system, which automatically checks their OS is legitimate.

Microsoft is piloting this obligatory checking in Norway, China and the Czech Republic, countries identified as having the biggest piracy problems, starting from February 7.

Users of counterfeit versions of Windows in these countries who "discover" they are using dodgy software this way will then be able to buy the genuine article at a discounted price, Microsoft said.

While it would be hard to argue that knowing users of pirated software deserve to get the same security benefits of those who have paid, Microsoft's move could present a broader security risk.

Users who were patching their pirated OS via Windows Update, for example, will not be able to do so, meaning they will face the real risk of being compromised by the next Windows worm.

A greater number of vulnerable internet-connected Windows machines can often mean a faster-spreading worm, which as a knock-on effect on all internet users.

In addition, compromised machines are being widely used in distributed denial of service attacks and spam runs, which makes the internet a worse place for everyone.

On the other hand, Microsoft says that according to the Business Software Alliance, 36% of software installed on computers worldwide was pirated in 2003, with vendors losing almost $29bn per year.

There's a carrot as well as a stick under Genuine Advantage, in the form of $450 worth of goodies that participants will be able to download.

Microsoft Photo Story 3 and Winter Fun Pack 2004 will be given away, as well as discounts of MSN Games, Office OneNote 2003, SharePoint Services, List Builder and Outlook Live.

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