Product activation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Product Activation is the process through which a product (usually computer software) is activated. Most computer software require some activation (computer games usually require CD-keys or serial numbers, while Windows XP requires a complex licensing process). Many software (including Windows XP) have been criticized for their lengthy and sometimes time-wasting activation processes. Also, pirating techniques have become more sophisticated, making product activation close to useless.

Software that require users to activate online or by phone include:

• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Photoshop
• Norton Antivirus
• Intuit TurboTax (product activation was subsequently discontinued after complaints over its activation process)
• Quicken (depending on country/edition)
• DivX Pro

Although many product activation schemes are anonymous, some are accompanied by mandatory product registration which require you to provide your address, phone number, and other personal information before the product is activated.

See also: Digital rights management

The original article can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_activation.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.