[ed. note: this was originally posted on 6/30/2006 09:21:00 AM]
There were stories going around about Microsoft having the ability to 'pull the plug' on XP installations if Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is not installed on a user's machine:

• Is Microsoft about to release a Windows "kill switch"?
• Are you having Windows Genuine Advantage problems?

Now, this may turn out to be FUD and disinformation, but if this is even partly true... very bad move on Microsoft's part. Even if it's totally untrue -- Microsoft ought to expect that their actions with Microsoft's Product Activation (WPA) and WGA expose them to broad suspicion about their motives.read more »