Better make sure your windows copy is legal...

[zorm]

I'd be interested in real numbers about how much $ they predict they are losing out on and how much they are actually losing out on. You also have to wonder how many people have legit claims to windows but are using a pirated version for a reason like the copy that came with the computer is crap?

[CrAz3D]

I wonder how many here alone have illegal copies of windows.

[Ergot]

I wonder how many here alone have illegal copies of windows.

Make a poll.

[iago]

I'd be interested in real numbers about how much $ they predict they are losing out on and how much they are actually losing out on. You also have to wonder how many people have legit claims to windows but are using a pirated version for a reason like the copy that came with the computer is crap?

Yeah, that's exactly what I used to do. 

I think that if they actually go through with it, it could be dangerous.  I mean, sure they lose money off pirating, but they also get loyal customers.  The customers will continue to use Windows, and will demand it at work, and they'll insist that family members get it, etc.  By how proliferated Windows is, legal and otherwise, I think that's proof that that works.  I'd be willing to bet that they make as much money off pirating as they lose, just by gaining customer loyalty. 

That being said, if they force people to buy Windows, then it'll be more likely that the local geek will set up the computer-moron with Linux, because the computer-moron wants a low-end computer that doesn't cost much.  The computer-moron will learn to use Linux, and will probably never buy a Microsoft product.  I doubt it'll be common, but it'll be much more common if Microsoft makes that change. 

I don't think this decision will hit them hard, but I definitely think that their market share will slip as a result.  And I don't think Vista is going to introduce any exciting new developments into the personal computer world, so I can't help but think that their market share will slip even more.  Only the future will tell, though. 

[dark_drake]

Well, mine is legal, but how much do you figure Microsoft is spending on this anti-piracy campaign? I'd much rather them stop worrying so much about pirates and work on improving all their products even moreso than they try now.

[Warrior]

I don't think this decision will hit them hard, but I definitely think that their market share will slip as a result.  And I don't think Vista is going to introduce any exciting new developments into the personal computer world, so I can't help but think that their market share will slip even more.  Only the future will tell, though. 

We all know DirectX10 isn't exciting or anything. Or for that matter WPF..
Damn.

[CrAz3D]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say if customers were truly loyal that they'd buy a legit copy...otherwise they wouldn't be customers ;)

[MyndFyre]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say if customers were truly loyal that they'd buy a legit copy...otherwise they wouldn't be customers ;)

What about customers who think they're buying a legit copy?

[iago]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say if customers were truly loyal that they'd buy a legit copy...otherwise they wouldn't be customers ;)

I doubt it.  Just about everybody here is loyal to Windows, but I'll bet a lot of people here have illegal copies.  However, if the people with illegal copies were put in charge of a network, they would likely buy a volume license which would make Microsoft a lot more money than the money they lose on a single copy.  And that's my point. 

x86] link=topic=6459.msg77974#msg77974 date=1151732176]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say if customers were truly loyal that they'd buy a legit copy...otherwise they wouldn't be customers ;)

What about customers who think they're buying a legit copy?

Those are the customers who are going to get screwed.

[CrAz3D]

x86] link=topic=6459.msg77974#msg77974 date=1151732176]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say if customers were truly loyal that they'd buy a legit copy...otherwise they wouldn't be customers ;)

What about customers who think they're buying a legit copy?

...how do you not buy a legit copy?...would it just be from some random person online?

@ iago: k.

[iago]

x86] link=topic=6459.msg77974#msg77974 date=1151732176]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say if customers were truly loyal that they'd buy a legit copy...otherwise they wouldn't be customers ;)

What about customers who think they're buying a legit copy?

...how do you not buy a legit copy?...would it just be from some random person online?

Maybe the Guy Down the Street sold you a copy, or maybe a seedy local computer store sold you the copy.

[Warrior]

That can be solved if you have the authenticity seal on the box. If not then yes, you got fucked. I don't see people who get fake shoes getting compensation, it's their fault for being idiots.

[rabbit]

I have a real fake.  It's awesome.  Yes, it's burned, but it's a special edition, so it's still legal :)

[Armin]

I'm pretty sure they've already started putting this into practice in small numbers. My dad does tech support (yes, shitty job, but he's staying because he gets a VPN), and he gets ~3 calls daily where people cannot boot up. He tells them to boot into safe-mode, and once it's passed the Windows screen, it says something to the extent of "Microsoft Anti-Piracy Team: You're version of Windows is illegal and has been shut down", and after that, the computer restarts.

Anyways, I think it's kind of smart that they're FINALLY putting this fully into practice this fall, right around when Vista comes out. Definately not a coincidence.

[Blaze]

Okay, I'm glad I spent less then thirty dollars on my legit copies, or I wouldn't have them.