Many Microsoft products on CD and DVD include holographic security features to help ensure you receive authentic product and to protect against counterfeiting.
Microsoft packaged software products such as Windows, Office, and Windows Server come on a holographic CD or DVD, which shows vibrant color and 3D effects as the disc is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the disc; it is not a sticker.
The Anti-Piracy team at Microsoft has launched a global campaign to inform small businesses about the risk of counterfeit software creeping into their business when acquiring or downloading software from the Internet. Most business buyers know to avoid questionable street-corner vendors when purchasing software for their business, yet they may not think twice about ordering software from an unfamiliar but professional looking website that offers steep discounts. And counterfeiters spend a lot of time and energy making illicit software-purchasing sites look and feel like the real thing.
In a test of software acquired through common channels, The Harrison Group found that 24 percent of machines that run counterfeit software either became infected at installation or downloaded and installed malicious software upon connection to the Internet.
Microsoft packaged software products come on a holographic CD or DVD, which shows vibrant color and 3D effects as the disc is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the disc; it is not a sticker.
There is also an inner mirror band hologram located on the inner part of the back (data) side of the DVD. It changes color as the disc is tilted.
A Genuine Microsoft Label should be found on new devices that have been preinstalled with Pro editions of Windows 8. The label color shift changes from one color to another.
Win 8: magenta to green
Win 8 Pro: blue to purple
Win RT: turquoise to purple
Counterfeit Microsoft Windows 7 software intercepted by Canadian Police.
The distinct Microsoft packaging is very similar visually to the authentic product.
Manufacturing sophistication is apparent in this counterfeit Microsoft Office 2007 product seized by US Customs. The product was distributed online and through local businesses.
This real Windows disc has the correct hologram and label.
This fake Windows 7 disc lacks the telltale hologram and has a poorly printed label.
Counterfeiters strive to produce products visually identical to the authentic product.
These packages of Microsoft Windows 7 were seized by Canadian police.
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