Microsoft has a iPhoto-like product out called Photo Story 3. It is free to download, but Microsoft makes you jump through a few hoops first—you must go through their innocuous-sounding Genuine Advantage program first. This is so they can certify that you are not running a pirated version of Microsoft Windows. You may also have to “activate” Windows XP.
Wow, giving away good, free software is great. But it seems to be that Microsoft is more interested in catching pirates then spreading good software. A lesson from Apple would go a long way here. Make good, free software, give it to us, and create loyalty. Don’t try to bait thieves with your product; figure out another way to catch the thieves. As long as you keep them connected, the missions of the software-developers will always be cloudy. Are they trying to make the best product, or make the best bait?
