For as long as there have been personal computers, software publishers have tried to stop people from making unauthorized copies of programs. A variety of methods, such as copy-proof floppy disks, have been tried, and nearly all have failed. The industry estimates that piracy costs it some $12 billion a year worldwide. Now Microsoft thinks it has found a way to cut down sharply on piracy, and a combination of technology and market dominance may work this time.
展开▼
