It is not frequent that I give Microsoft a pat on the back but this week, News.com featured an article detailing the Redmond company’s plan of providing updates only to legit users of their operating system. This is to answer the problem of rapidly expanding number of software pirates!
I hope that they get to roll this out as soon as possible. The effects will also be good for Open Source. People will either get a license (and pay for it, of course) or go the Open Source route via Linux. With Apple’s introduction of the Mac Mini, users will think twice before buying Microsoft’s Windows XP. If they do have a pretty new computer, the option is running Linux or maybe even OpenSolaris or just get a Mac Mini.
The Open Source community should help Microsoft roll out this plan. It will be good for the community and will benefit users as well.
