According to Microsoft, although Windows Vista will be made available for the general public come January 30, 2007, unauthorized DVDs containing pirated copies of the operating systems are already on sale around the world. "Software piracy is an ever-evolving threat that affects unsuspecting computer users and the software business. With many users now thinking about updating their PC with a new Windows Vista operating system or buying a new PC with Windows Vista pre-installed, it's now more important than ever to understand the value of genuine software," revealed Microsoft.

The Redmond Company added that non-genuine software, Windows Vista included, can contain altered and malicious code, malware, spyware and other threats exposing the user to security risks. Users should know that the genuine Microsoft software is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

"With the exception of products purchased by customers under volume license agreements, users can be confident that 100 percent of the copies of Windows Vista advertised for purchase or download prior to the January 30, 2007 consumer general availability date are counterfeit, and that any new PC purchased and pre-loaded with Windows Vista prior to general availability is improperly licensed or counterfeit software, and carries a risk of hacks, Trojans or other malware," added Microsoft. In the image at the bottom you can see counterfeit software packages for Windows Vista Home Premium and 2007 Microsoft Office Professional.

The Redmond Company has revealed that it has released an update to counteract a Windows Vista activation workaround named "frankenbuild." You can read additional details about the Vista "frankenbuild" activation workaround here.