Glossary

 

Did you come across an unfamiliar term while validating your software or while searching for other information? Use the Glossary to find definitions of common terms used on the Genuine Microsoft Software Web site.

Windows Activation Technologies are a set of anti-piracy features in Windows Vista^® and Windows 7^® containing activation and validation components. These technologies help users confirm that Windows installed on their PC is genuine and help protect against the risks of counterfeit software. Updates for Windows Activation Technologies may also be released by Microsoft^® from time to time to help protect users from new threats or exploits. These technologies are part of Microsoft’s commitment to protecting its customers and partners from counterfeiters through education, engineering, and enforcement of policies and laws. Windows Activation Technologies differentiates the value of genuine Windows software from counterfeit software, allowing customers to enjoy the capabilities they expect, the confidence that their software is authentic, and the ongoing system improvements that help them get the most from their software investment.

WGA Notifications for Windows XP^® helps Microsoft^® to fight software piracy and helps you to validate that the copy of Microsoft Windows XP running on your PC is genuine and properly licensed. If Windows XP installed on your computer did not pass validation, WGA Notifications provides resources that help you to easily fix the problem online. Get more information about WGA Notifications.

You can use Windows Update to automatically update your PC, install optional drivers and software, or opt into Microsoft Update with just a few clicks. Visit Windows Update now to view available updates.