2006-06-09 01:15:05 · 5 answers · asked by bobpegoh 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a program initiated by Microsoft that requires users of Microsoft Windows to validate their copy of several Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services, such as Windows Update, and downloading from Microsoft Download Center. Previously voluntary, it became mandatory for use of these services in July 2005.
2006-06-09 01:20:03 · answer #1 · answered by thunder2sys 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WGA is a little program that checks once that you are running a legit copy of windows, it is safe unless you have an illegal copy of windows.
It does check up with microsoft everyday but only to check if it should be running (it does not send any information about who you are etc.), its a safety thing in case the feature is required to be turned off in an emergency such as lots of people are reported to have illegal windows. It is needed to get updates now I think.
All you need to know here: http://www.infoworld.com/article/06/06/08/79107_HNnopiracy_1.html
2006-06-09 08:21:11 · answer #2 · answered by The Great Turtle Speaks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a tool that will check your computer to ensure you are running a real copy of Windows, by checking your serial number I am sure. I am running a real copy of XP from Dell, but I am not going to run this utility on my PC if for some reason it thinks your copy is not real, good luck resolving that with MS!
I should note that there are 2 versions of this program,, one you have to run before you download something .. from MS which is safe to run, and another one that is a windows update, which I will not install.
2006-06-09 08:20:35 · answer #3 · answered by gentleman1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a real threat
2006-06-09 08:23:58 · answer #4 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is real threat
2006-06-09 08:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋