The Windows CD on the left is a fake

Most home computer owners in India use pirated Windows XP. Typically, the person assembling the PC is silent on the what operating system he is giving , and it never occurs to first-time buyers to ask if it is a legal copy or not. If asked, the vendor says, “Don’t worry it’s copied from the original. You won’t face any problems.” And he quietly disables the Windows Update.

Your PC will work fine till you get on to the Internet. Then the problems begin as viruses and malware start eating into the vitals of the system. This leads to disc failure, the PC becomes slow, programs crash often and the machine dies a slow death. Worried, you summon the vendor. He formats your hard disc and reloads all your applications. The cycle is repeated every month till you are driven to tears. Each time your disc is formatted, important data are lost.

But do not fret. There is a special offer on in India by Microsoft whereby you can legalise your copy of Windows XP Professional without having to format your hard drive. All you have to do is buy the Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional for around Rs 7,900. The Get Genuine Kit comprises one Certificate of Authenticity label, one CD with the Windows software, and the end user licence agreement.

Once you buy this, you are entitled to a free admission to the Microsoft Academy. With Microsoft Academy, you can access multi-level course material and assessments as per your convenience. Surprise your boss with amazing presentations, be a whiz with calculations and get noticed at conferences. You can test your PC skills by taking tests online, and even earn a certificate from Microsoft.

Now the catch is, how do you get to buy legal copies of Windows. You can do it in four different ways:

* Buy them online from the Microsoft e-store at Indiatimes. The link is http://microsoft.shopping.indiatimes.com. Click on the Windows XP link. Select the middle product.

* Call a Microsoft Dial a Software Partner and get it delivered to your doorstep. The toll-free number is 18001021100. This number is accessible from any Airtel network in India. In case of BSNL and MTNL, call 1800111100. Another number is +91 80 40103000.

* Find a local retailer. Just go to http://www.microsoft.-com/india/originalsoftware/business/adopt_standards/store_locator.aspx.

* For businesses in India there are other offers. You can opt for deals that suit you the best to legalise your software without having to format your PC. Volume licensing deals are available at http://www.microsoft.com/india/originalsoftware/business/tools_and_resources/great_offers.aspx .

Beware of fakes

The Indian market is full of fake Windows CDs in packaging that may look very sleek. At times it’s difficult to tell the difference between the fake and the genuine. Here’s a rough guide on how you can check for originality:

There should be a Certificate of Authenticity. It is basically a label that is affixed to the package of original Microsoft software. These certificates may also contain a barcode that is used for product tracking. Second, always buy from a reputed store. Use the links cited above to find a reliable reseller.

There should be a proof of a licence label. It is the orange label, accompanying the installation disc that contains a 25-character product key. The words “Proof of License” appear on the label.

The installation disc should have a hologram that covers the whole disc. This holographic image is not a sticker but is part of the disc itself and makes it easier to identify genuine Microsoft software. Genuine Microsoft software comes with an edge-to-edge hologram disc. Since 2003 the discs have come in a copper colour. Earlier versions may have been different.

Also, look out for a medallion or security patch. It is specific text located at the bottom or perimeter of the disc. In the medallion or security patch on genuine Microsoft discs, the word “Microsoft” changes to “GENUINE” as the disc is tilted. The background hologram should show a vibrant colour as the disc is tilted.

Tip for Vista users: If you are buying an assembled PC with pre-loaded Windows Operating System (OS), go the site www.myrightpc.com to get the right configuration of your computer. You can also find out the approximate cost there.

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