Counterfeit rate of Vista half that of XP

[videobread]

Microsoft brags - "Counterfeit rate of Vista half that of XP." To quote Gomer Pyle, "Surprise, surprise!" Is that due to lack of interest in Vista? You might think so from reading posts on VH. They have also dropped the "Kill switch" due to consumer complaints. Reminds me of Sony's CD fiasco.

[bendixG15]

They have also dropped the "Kill switch" due to consumer complaints. Reminds me of Sony's CD fiasco.

Story I heard is that MS dropped the "Kill Switch" because often their own software would initiate it.

[jimdagys]

I can tell you that Vista can be bought anywhere in China for about 35 cents. I think it is counterfeit but many computer shops use it.

[JohnnyMalaria]

What's interesting about removing the "kill switch" is that you can continue to use Vista forever as long as you tolerate the pop-ups. Moreover, if you install Vista and don't enter an activation code within 30-days, you will get an option to purchase a legit retail license for what can only be described as a steal. e.g., $199 for a full Vista Ultimate license.

So, instead of buying a legit copy at the full retail price, just get an ISO image, install it, wait 30 days and get it for more than 50% off.

[handyguy]

What's funny is that now when it detects a counterfeit version of Vista it gives a notice every hour about how they should buy a real version & they can through MS for half the store price. Vista Premium at $119.00

[davidsama]

That is probably because people think microsoft put out an os that is so terrible, why would be want to counterfeit it for.

[aedipuss]

the article's title should have been:

"Vista - so bad even Pirates don't want it"

[TBoneit]

It depends on how they are saying half the rate of XP...

Do they mean half as many units of Vista vs Xp or do they mean half the percentage pirated vs XP.

Percentage is the only real way to tell IMHO.

I'm starting to get customers that say now that they have had Vista for a while they like and prefer it. My best guess is that if you never used a computer and you buy one with Vista and all new perhiperals, you will like it.

We here have older hardware attached and know our Win2K/XP and don't like the interface changes.

[aedipuss]

whether you like it or not also seems to be dependent on if your comp has the horsepower to run it properly. newer desktop users are more likely to think it's ok than notebook users.

[lordsmurf]

the article's title should have been: "Vista - so bad even Pirates don't want it"

My thought as well.

[Bjs]

There are other factors that were not include as to the true story as to why this may be so , or thought .

A: Compatibility horrors = why people are not wanting vista .
B: The size = Compare the iso of xp to that of vista , and you wonder why pirating is so low .
C: The cost simply dose not add up when all other factors have been taken into consideration .

Upgrade of both hardware and expensive software , just to support an os .

[jagabo]

I wonder if Microsoft includes the OEM hack.

http://www.news.com/2100-1002_3-6175615.html

Those pirated versions pass the WGA test so they presumably aren't counted. You can easily download full Vista installation DVDs with the hack built in. You don't have to do any registery or file patching. You're never even asked to validate. This appears to be one of the fixes in SP1.