Software pirates in Malaysia sell Microsoft's next Windows system


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../60033/1/.html


JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia : Software pirates in Malaysia are hawking the next version of Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system years before it is supposed to be on sale.

CDs containing software Microsoft code named "Longhorn" are on sale for six ringgit (US$1.58) in a shopping complex in Johor Bahru, the southern Malaysian city bordering Singapore, alongside thousands of pirated programs, music CDs and DVDs, according to a Microsoft corporate attorney.


The software is an early version of Longhorn demonstrated and distributed at a conference for Microsoft programmers in Los Angeles in October, according to the attorney.

Chairman Bill Gates has said Longhorn, which is not expected to be released before 2005, would rank as Microsoft's largest software launch this decade.

Longhorn promises new methods of storing files, tighter links to the Internet, greater security and fewer annoying reboots, Microsoft has said. - CNA