Reply #9: This isn't that much different from the activation procedures already

[ET Awful]

in use. As long as you have a legal copy of Windows, it's not a big deal. It doesn't collect any personal information, etc. All it does is verify that the activation of your product is valid and not the result of a stolen license number, etc.

Basically, even WITH a pirated copy, you still get security updates. You just won't get things like Direct X updates, Media Player updates, etc.

I don't see it as that big a deal.