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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Jack Schofield

Is WGA a Genuine Advantage?

When I follow the link to updates, I am asked to validate my copy of Windows XP by installing some software called Windows Genuine Advantage. Is this a good idea? Matt O'Driscoll

Microsoft wants to reward people with legitimate copies of Windows, not just punish the ones with pirate copies. Windows Genuine Advantage offers free downloads such as Photo Story 3, a video screensaver and the Match-Up game, plus discounts on commercial programs (http://catalog.microsoft.com/genuine/offers). It works using a small ActiveX control that runs in the browser, though there's also an alternative standalone program if ActiveX is blocked. It collects your Windows product key, Product Identification Locator (PID), PC manufacturer's name and BIOS chip details. If you refuse WGA, you should still be able to get security updates by turning on Windows' AutoUpdate feature. The free downloads are available without validation to people running Windows 98/SE/Me and Windows 2000. See www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx.

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