spyware windows

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a program initiated by Microsoft that requires users of Microsoft Windows to validate their copy of several recent Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services, such as Windows Update, and downloading from the Microsoft Download Center. Previously voluntary, it became mandatory for use of these services in July, 2005. Users who have automatic updates set to "Notify," and do not put a checkmark next to the WGA download, are not affected.

WGA Software

When a user installs WGA, an Internet Explorer Add-on is added entitled "Windows Genuine Advantage. " In early releases, this could be readily disabled with the IE Add-on Management feature. A Windows Group Policy was added by later updates, causing this option to be unavailable by default - but still accessible if the policy was removed. Security and Spyware - Windows - Software Downloads - TechRepublic. As of July, 2006, the latest update blocks management by some other means, possibly hard-coding WGA as an exception in the Add-on Manager.

The program uses either a stand-alone program to generate a key or an ActiveX control to discover if the license key is valid. If WGA determines that a user's copy of Windows was unauthorized, and the CD appeared genuine (including the holographic emblem present on real copies of Windows), then Microsoft will supply the user with a new CD. Microsoft also offers discounts to people who want to purchase a legitimate copy of Windows, but do not have a valid CD. Microsoft has indicated that they will continue to deliver critical security updates through their Automatic Updates service as well as on the Microsoft Download Center.