Piracy has been all along with the history of software. Even when people used Assemblers, there were pirated versions availble. However, this is the first time (in my knowledge) when a crack for Windows 7 is created even before it is released!
Even before the schedules release of Windows 7 in October, hackers have succeeded in creating an OEM based crack for Windows 7 Ultimate Edition. The crack works for both 32 bit and 64 bit version of Windows 7. Hence, those having Windows 7 RC need not upgrade if the crack proves to be as successful as it claims.What's more? It even lets you bypass the Windows Genuine Advantage Tool so you get all the advantaged of Windows 7 such as Microsoft updates and patches for Windows 7 Ultimate!
Though there are cracks for previous versions of Windows, MS was able to disable them easily. However, this crack will need much time before it can be disabled. As usual, it is the brainwork of a Chinese computer wizard, as per Ars Technica. The crack uses a method that MS gives out to organizations for activating its software under mass-distributions. The technique is abbreviated SLP. Using the boot.wim from the Windows 7 RC as base, the hacker created a code using the SLP technique after he discovered that the system uses the same techniques used for mass activation of Windows Vista.
Information about how to get the key is not available publicly. Wait for a while and it will be making rounds on the Internet. you can google and find it in one of the forums related to Windows 7. Microsoft too received the news and reacted strongly against the crack advising people not to buy purchase software from third parties.
As the Windows 7 enthusiasts are happy over this and MS worried, I don't know whom to praise: The team that created and worked on the Windows operating system from the beginning or these hackers who have always succeeded in creating cracks.
MS Office 2007 crack was the latest that made news and now it is the pre-release crack for Windows 7! All the way down to 80s, MS has been able to find and disable such Windows cracks. Even this crack will be disabled in due course of time. However, before the anti-piracy team disables this key for Windows 7, several thousands of users will already have the Windows 7 Ultimate installed on their machine for a nominal fee (towards the crack for Windows 7 Ultimate)!
News Source: Ars Technica