Microsoft to try out new anti-piracy technology in Vista

Microsoft has been striving to protect its software from piracy, and last week it released a new Microsoft Software Protection Platform to safeguard the upcoming Vista operating system and Longhorn Server operating system.

This new platform integrates various technologies. Users must register their products with Microsoft in order to access all the platform's features; otherwise, they will only be able to operate in a "reduced functionality" mode. Microsoft hopes this approach will encourage users to use legitimate software.

When used in reduced functionality mode, there is little difference compared to previous versions of the software. Since the release of Windows XP, Microsoft has already prohibited pirated Windows users from accessing various functions within the Software Protection Platform. Now, Microsoft has further intensified these restrictions...