Windows: genuine vs non-genuine

DISCLAIMER!
This, by all means, does not encourage nor provides intel on how to acquire non-genuine versions of windows and how to "crack" them. This is solely for comparing genuine versions against non genuine.

Windows, as we well know, is quite expensive. With all the possible ways to get it without paying anything, why shouldn't we just download a hacked version from somewhere and use it?

First of all, you should know that, even if you have installed a windows version from a non-genuine source, microsoft gives you a 30 days free trial, in which your windows will behave like a genuine one.
After the 30 days are up, it is your decision what to do next.

I will list and explain the advantages of genuine windows.
Although the cases in which microsoft goes after a home user with non-genuine software are rare, for companies and businesses it is important to use genuine windows, as microsoft is more likely to pay you a visit and ask questions. They have special packages for these type of users, offering discounts and other offers.

So, what a genuine user gets.

Windows Updates
this things are pretty important. Most of the updates are meant to protect against hackers. This is important for companies, but not so much for the home users.
the useful things they send you are reliability updates, which fix certain problems with the system, such as memory leaks. Once a month, microsoft send your the malicious software removal tool for said month. This tool runs only once, but it clears all the viruses, Trojans and other mall-ware on your computer. If you wish to run it again, you need to redownload it manually from Microsoft download center.

I do not include service packs here, as they can very easily be hacked.

Windows Live Security essentials
Award winning anti virus software, comes free for genuine windows users. This is a very powerful protection tool, on par with paid third party options, such as Bit Defender or Kasperski.

Support for individual problems
Your system is exeriencing a problem others do not?
Microsoft will analyze your error reports and send back guides on how to fix the problem.


On a less official note, it is better off buying or downloading genuine windows
why? because the non-genuine installation disc images are often modified, to bypass the activation requirement and act like a genuine product. Most of the times, tampering with these files cause your windows irreparable damage. Although not visible at first, you will notice slower speed, more frequent crashes on non-genuine.

My advise:
buy genuine.
If you are using genuine windows XP, you can get big discounts on Vista or 7 with upgrade packages, which cost only a fraction of the original price.