Product keys are usually in the form of a line of alphanumeric characters. These is included with most types of software products that you purchase. When buying a software and installing it, you are usually prompted to enter your product key. This may take place after opening the program or even before installing it. The product key help to ensure that the software you bought is proper and registered legally. They also help to stop illegal software distribution to those who did not buy the software.

Microsoft Operating Systems all come with product keys. Operating systems are necessary on all computers. It is the basis for all other program and defines what you can and cannot do. Since the operating system you have is probably the most important .program. you will have running, it is important for developers such as Microsoft and Apple to ensure that the operating system you buy is legal and not distributed. Operating systems tend to cost quite a bit of money and it would be a loss to developers if users managed to get their hands on the developer's operating system free of charge.microsoft product keys

Microsoft Windows XP is the most popular operating system today. With over 17million copies sold in just the first two months of debuting, Windows XP has been globally accepted by the average computer user. Nevertheless, there are still pirated copies are Windows XP being distributed over the Internet and sold illegally. In response to this, Microsoft has created an intricate way for users to register their copy of Windows XP. Microsoft has done this by implementing product keys into their software. Upon installing Windows XP, the user has approximately 30 days to register their software. Failing to do so will result in Windows XP not functioning on that computer.

By entering their product key, usually included within the Windows XP software box, the user registers his or her software and is free to use it.

In some cases the user will be required to call a toll free number to receive their product key. This is in some ways more secure than having the product key written on the box.

Even though Microsoft has put this system into effect, hackers have still found a way to get through it. Creating programs called keygens, or key generators, these programs can generate a product key for Windows XP at the click of a button. However, this software is very much illegal and Microsoft has stated that they will take action against such offenders.