Windows XP: Difference between revisions

[[Windows Product Activation]], a new form of [[w:digital rights management|digital rights management]] technology, was added to the operating system with the incentive of preventing [[w:software piracy|software piracy]] – every installation of Microsoft Windows is assigned a unique installation identifier to distinguish individual copies from one another. Users must activate their copy of Windows XP in order to enforce the relevant provisions of the license agreement about using the product on multiple computers. Activation was done over the internet or over an automated telephone line. If the user does not activate the operating system after the initial 30-day grace period, the user will not be unable to log onto Windows unless it is activated. If the user attempts to perform significant changes to the hardware, the license associated with the device is voided and the operating system must be re-activated.