This Reuters article explains that Microsoft will be rolling out a full fledged authentication system to check for pirated versions of the Windows operating system towards the middle of this year.

Windows users with pireated copies of the Microsoft operating system will still be able to download security patches but will not be able to acquire Windows add-ons.

This program is being dubbed by the borg as “Windows Genuine Advantage“. The advantage is people using the program are being offered discounts on software and online services. WOO HOO!