Using security to make your pc LESS secure...

...is a big issue at the moment. How secure should your PC be with a copy of Windows? Should Microsoft ultimately be charging you in the form of new programs to cure problems with their OS that they really should have fixed in the first place?

We've all seen the new Beta of Microsoft Anti-Spyware, but have you maybe missed the issue surrounding an innocent looking app called GenuineCheck.exe.

Users attempting to download MS Antispyware are informed that "this download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Windows. Please click Continue to begin Windows validation." The website then uploads an executable file called "GenuineCheck.exe" to the users computer.

The executable presumably scans the OS for the license key, and generates a key code that the user is directed to send to Microsoft. If the key code is for an unlicensed version of the OS, the user is directed to purchase the software online, and is denied the opportunity to download the anti-spyware software.

The "feature" to check your OS is "recommended" and you aren't required to do it before downloading. Also, once you have the install file for MS Antispyware, you can use it to install on other computers without going through any verification.

However, the fear is that not only are MS going to make us fork out big bucks in the near future to plug a leaky gap in their OS, they will also begin to use such .exes as Genuinecheck to stop unlicenced versions of an operating system being able to dl more security "fixes".

Is this right? I don't think so. If a pirate copy of an OS is sitting on someones pc the damage is already done. Why Microsoft think this lockdown attempt would persuade people to not use pirated copies is beyond me. People will always find ways to use cracked versions of an OS.

But now, there'll always be insecure systems clogging up the networks too.

That is, assuming Microsoft eventually go down this road. Is there any concrete evidence to ay they will? No, but then look how quickly they suddenly snapped up GIANT antispyware. And with the growing mess that is COAST turning into a strange mish-mash of antispyware companies and - er- spyware companies, if more antispyware vendors keep defecting pretty soon the only choice you may be left with is pay Microsoft as much as they feel like squeezing out of you, or go it on your own and pay the inevitable consequences.

For now - keep watching the skies and looking over your shoulder.