Chinese Users of Pirated Vista Upset at WGA

Sometimes… I just cannot wrap my head around the pirate’s mind. Take for example the ridiculous outrage that people in the Chinese market are engaged in because Microsoft finally implemented their Windows Genuine Advantage program over there. For those unaware, WGA detects whether or not a version of Windows is legal, and if not, it will remove your desktop wallpaper and give you occasional messages reminding you to purchase. It doesn’t halter the usage of the OS.

Seems fair, right? After all, if you didn’t pay for the program, why should you expect quality service? I’m against copy protection, don’t get me wrong, but if you don’t pay for whatever you’re using and then complain about it, something’s a little strange. The reason I hate copy protection is because it effects the legal consumer more than the pirates, but when it comes to protection against the actual pirates, I say bring it.

The odd thing is, even a Chinese official is aganst Microsoft, claiming their product is too expensive for that particular market. What? Last I checked, Chinese versions of Windows were less expensive over there. I could be wrong, but even then… how does that justify things? The same thing happened on these shores, but as far as I know, but US official got their panties in a twist.

In a PC World article Dong said, “Microsoft’s measure will cause serious functional damage to users’ computers and, according to China’s criminal law, the company can stand accused of breaching and hacking into computer systems of Chinese.” Dong also said Microsoft was targeting the wrong group stating, “I respect the right of Microsoft to protect its intellectual property, but it is taking on the wrong target with wrong measures.” He also added, “They should target producers and sellers of fake software, not users.”