Is my computer is at serious risk if i dont use genuine microsoft software?

Question

I am not yet sure if i am using genuine software.How can i know that?

Answer 1

Yes, because without Windows being able to update you are at serious risks from a variety of sources. Even if Windows is initially detected as Genuine, if you are using a shared or pooled program key it will eventually be invalidated by Microsoft.

If your computer came from a reputable manufacturer it will likely have a certificate of authenticity on it somewhere.

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps you identify genuine Microsoft software. A COA is not a software license – it is a visual identifier that assists in determining whether or not the Microsoft software you are running is genuine. However, without it, you will not have a legal license to run Microsoft software. A COA should never be purchased by itself without the software it authenticates.

Were you able to successfully activate your copy of Windows? Visit the Microsoft website at the URL below for more information on how to tell if your copy is legit.

Answer 2

The only risk you run is Microsoft not providing you with any software updates to what you are currently running.

As a previous poster stated, perhaps it is time you reconsidered your use of Microsoft products. There are SO many other operating systems out there and they have already provided you links to a bunch of the good ones.

Answer 3

No, you don't have to use genuine. I know alot of people who haven't bought the software, but use it on their computer. In fact, alot of companies do this. It IS illegal, but the only way that microsoft has really ever found out about companies doing this is when someone is fired and they are mad at the company. Then they will try to get revenge on the company they worked for and report abuse of the software to Microsoft. I used to work in commercial sales at CompUSA, and came acroos people asking this question all the time.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 4

I don't think so.

You can check whether you have genuine MS software by doing a Windows update -- Start -- Windows update. There will be a check and you may pass or fail.

Even if you fail, you can get the latest updates by using AutoPatcher.com. The latest patches may be a month or so behind, but you'll be fine.

You should always protect your computer with a good anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Some instructions:
http://adviceonstuff.com/?p=4
http://adviceonstuff.com/?p=110

Answer 5

What do you mean 'genuine microsoft software'? Do you mean you have programs that look like MS programs, but aren't? To tell if it's Microsoft, you go to Help>About and it will tell you what company created it, etc. If you're talking about software that was hacked with somebody else's code for use on your computer, as long as you don't go online at the same time you're using it, they won't be able to tell. You need to be more specific.

Answer 6

there are 2 answers yes and no. yes is for that you can't download windows genuine ie7 and much more free programs from internet. and no is so that security depends on anti virus software not on genuine xp. and you can also download updates from microsoft without using a genuine xp.

Answer 7

Not at all
You may not get automatic updates from microsoft.com ,Why bother,there are Autopatchers available for any type of updates to get your OS updated offline.
Nearly every computer magazine(eg.digit) provides them frequently.
To check whether you OS is genuine just log onto microsoft.com & try to download any thing they will check it themself BUT I WILL NOT RECOMMEND IT.
Simply go on using the software & get it updated as stated above.

Answer 8

No, you are not at risk.

However, contrary to elana, I advise you use Microsoft windows, because almost everything is compatible with it.

Use another operating system, and I bet you will be disappionted when all your favorite things don't work.

I hope this helps.

Answer 9

Your computer *IS* at serious risk if you *DO* use genuine Microsoft software.

Consider this an excellent time to recognize that
your operating system is defective. I recommend replacing
it with one of:

http://fedora.redhat.com
http://www.opensuse.org
http://www.debian.org
http://www.ubuntu.org
http://www.slackware.org
http://www.freebsd.org
http://www.opensolaris.org

Any of these will be more reliable, less susceptible to
viri, uses your hardware more efficiently, and they're
all free.

Answer 10

All the people who have replied yes got thmbs down, so I'll say no get a proper windows licence and pay big huge dollars bucks for it. And don't tell anyone you know how to burn a disk ;-)