Microsoft's head of anti piracy, Michala Alexander estimates that 5 percent of computer systems sold in the UK in 2006 will not include an operating system. Worried that choice would encourage people to install pirated versions of Windows or worse, some unholy OS such as Linux, Alexander urges "all system builders - indeed, all partners - not to supply naked PCs. It is a risk to your customers and a risk to your business - with specifically 5 percent fewer opportunities to market software and services." It's left as an exercise to the reader to guess how many of those choosing not to pay the Redmond tax could be lured into buying additional software on top of bloat ware that they didn't even want in the first place.

Given Microsoft's past attempts to force vendors into including Windows with every system and its well known unethical practices, Linux vendors and free software advocates worry that the giant might again push to eliminate those 5 percent. It turns out they're right: Microsoft launched the "Keep IT Real" initiative, which will send investigators to vendors suspected of installing counterfeit software. The investigators will "provide proactive assistance during customer visits, and help you get the value proposition for pre-installed software and related services."

"It looks like a private sniffing service which is supposed to spy on those who do not want to pay the Microsoft tax anymore. It is an incredible piece of impudence which any politician, customer and journalist should recognize carefully," commented Joachim Jakobs of the Free Software Foundation - Europe.

Microsoft denied the implications, and said it is just an honest attempt at helping its reseller partners grow their business.

Sure, I trust them! Don't you?