Will Windows Genuine Advantage Become Microsoft's Rootkit?
Here is another reason that I've decided to start using Linux more.
Microsoft was considering adding an update to Windows OS users around the world that would inventory their system and lock their it down it it was pirated. The patch would be called Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA). If users refused the patch, they'd have thirty days to comply.
“While WGA doesn't seem nearly as bad as the Sony rootkit, Microsoft's slow response to complaints could create backlash against the company in the same way that Sony BMG faced a ton of backlash.”