A funny way of doing business

From AP-

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. is pulling back from a system that disables programs on users' computers if it suspects the software is pirated, opting instead for a gentler approach based on nagging alerts.

Microsoft said late Monday it will roll out the new version of Windows Genuine Advantage with the first "service pack" for Windows Vista, due in the first quarter of 2008.

When computer users activate a copy of Windows Vista or try to download certain software from Microsoft's Web site, the Windows Genuine Advantage system scans their PCs for signs of pirated software. Today, if the tool finds an unauthorized copy of Vista, the glassy Vista user experience disappears and other features are suspended.

In the new version, PC users found to have a pirated copy of Vista will continue to be able to use their computers, but with unmistakable signs their operating system is a fake. The desktop wallpaper will turn black, and a white notice will appear alerting users to the problem. Each time they log in, they will be prompted to buy legitimate software, and every hour, a reminder bubble will appear on the screen.

Users with a high tolerance for irritation can put off switching to genuine software indefinitely, but those who relent and buy a real copy of Windows can do so at reduced prices — $119 for Windows Vista Home Premium, half the regular retail price.

"We want to make sure unwitting victims get a great treatment," said Mike Sievert, a corporate vice president in Microsoft's Windows marketing group.

Interesting change of course by Microsoft. They're even willing to discount Microsoft Vista for those who have pirated copies of it. Which makes me wonder-

1- Who would want a pirated copy of Microsoft Vista when there are so many complaints in regards to the system?

2- Why is Microsoft giving thieves a discount? Even if the operator is not the person who installed the pirated vista, they are in possession of stolen property.

Let me remind you of this news from August.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O) has more than halved the retail price of its Vista home basic computer operating software package in China to 499 yuan ($66) from 1,521 yuan, and the price of its premium package to 899 yuan from 1,802 yuan, effective from August 1.

The price cut was made to meet market demand for the operating system, the company said in a statement.

Microsoft had sold 60 million Windows Vista licenses globally by the end of June, including 20 million copies sold since mid-May, the company said last month.

The latest version of its dominant Windows operating system was released on January 30.

Microsoft sure has a funny way of doing business. They cut prices for people who steal their programs(but not as much if they live in China. If you steal Vista in China, do you get the program at half of the 899 yuan mentioned above?) and lower prices in order to meet high demand. Funny I thought businesses react the reverse way.

By the way, I'm possibly in the market for a new laptop. One of the things holding me back is that the notebook would use Microsoft Vista/Office 2007. I've heard nothing but bad things about it. So I'm reluctant to dish out $1,500 for a machine with problems from the get go. Anyone feel free to convince me otherwise. Maybe I don't understand computer operating systems, like I don't understand Microsoft's computer model.

Note- I read it here you may be able to get a disk to go back to Windows XP. Is that possible with a HP notebook?

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