Some time when using your computer, you may be presented with a nice little window with an introduction to Microsoft's Genuine Advantage program. It will use all sorts of scary words, like "piracy", "counterfeit", "security threats", and "wizard". When this happens, you need not fear; it is only Microsoft's friendly software registration program.

Windows Genuine Advantage (or WGA) was created in an effort to crack down on software piracy and also as a safety measure for those using legitimate copies of Microsoft programs such as Windows, MS Office and free programs like Windows Media Player or Windows Defender. Hundreds of thousands of illegal and possibly harmful counterfeits of Microsoft software are out there, and some of it is purchased without the knowledge of the consumer. Often, this software (for example, an illegal copy of Windows Vista) will contain malware or spyware that can steal personal information and send it to third parties.

The best way to avoid such software is to get it only through Microsoft, a trusted computer manufacturer like Dell or HP, a trusted retailer like Staples, or as part of your computer setup through Drake Hardware & Software. They will only provide legitimate versions of software and will stand behind their product. Never purchase software through Ebay or from a street vendor. Online auctions are great for porcelain cat figurines, bad for computer software.

Also, only download Microsoft programs like Windows Media Player directly from the Microsoft website. There are a few trusted websites that make Microsoft programs available for download- like Cnet's Download.com- but chances are if it is downloaded from somewhere that isn't Microsoft, it has the possibility of causing harm to the computer.

The WGA program will check to make sure additional Microsoft programs are legitimate and will not cause damage to your computer or steal your information. It will not, however, check on the legitimacy of other programs that are from non-Microsoft companies.

One of the biggest questions we have been getting at Drake Hardware & Software lately is whether or not to participate in the WGA system. Users are constantly being warned to not click on pop-up notifications on their computer as they could contain viruses or other malicious programs. At this time, there is only one known malicious imitator to the Genuine Advantage system, and it can only be received by clicking on a link sent in an instant message from an unknown user. As a general rule, never open anything sent to you by someone you do not know and always have your internet protection software active and up to date.

Windows Genuine Advantage (or its cousin, Microsoft Office Genuine Advantage) will check various parts of your computer to make sure that your copy of Windows is legal and properly registered. This will happen the first time your computer logs on to the Microsoft Automatic Update system (on by default) or upon the first visit to Microsoft's update webpage. It may ask you if you want to install the Windows Genuine Advantage program if it is not already installed. You may choose not to install WGA, but you will not be able to receive some Windows Updates like security fixes and other upgrades.

If WGA finds Windows to be an invalid copy, it will send the user regular notices to register Windows properly or purchase a legitimate version of Windows. In addition do being unable to receive updates, it can also change your desktop picture and in the case of Office, limit your ability to create and edit documents.

Sometimes, WGA will give a "false positive" on a copy of Windows that is indeed genuine. This may be a result of the retailer installing Windows with an available registration code instead of the matching code on the disc. WGA will usually recognize this problem and ask the user to enter the proper code, which should be located on a sticker on the back or underside of your computer, or on the envelope for an enclosed recovery disc. If you have this problem and cannot locate your code, contact your computer supplier to order a new disc.

Always keep this disc and all computer documentation in a safe, accessible location. You never know when you may need it, and it will speed up the process of technical support if you have the relevant information handy. The easiest way to not be tagged for counterfeit software is to buy only from trusted retailers and keep this information. It can save you time and money, especially if you end up having to purchase a new copy of Windows.