In the case of the Windows Genuine Advantage initiative, which checks if the Windows XP version is genuine or not, the users got used to it, the Redmond company might not be so lucky with OGA (Office Genuine Advantage).

This latest program targets the Office suite and will help users determine if their version is counterfeited.

"The best way to protect consumers is, first, to educate them about the issue, then to equip them to spot counterfeit software, and finally, to help them understand what they should do about it," said Cori Hartje, director of the Genuine Software Initiative.

Still, users of the Windows XP operating systems might not put up with the alert invasion, especially since in Microsoft Office's case there is a very powerful and "very free" competitor, Open Office.org 2.0.

A recent poll carried out by iTWire has revealed that if they had to choose between trying Open Office.org and buying MS Office 2003, most of the users would go with the first choice.

Of the 441 users who voted in 18 hours since the poll was posted, 381 (86.4%) chose the first option, while only 60 (13.6%) went for the second.

One could say that Microsoft's decision to introduce Office Genuine Advantage before releasing the new Microsoft Office 2007, available in January together with Windows Vista, was not quite a wise one. This could significantly boost the Open Office.org 2.0's market share.