Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA)
Microsoft is listening to you! On June 27,2006 they announced that there had been changes made to the tool, Windows Genuine Advantage. After a number of complaints about the tool itself and the frequency it phones home, they have now removed the notifications code which phoned home every time you logged on to the Internet. They have the press release on their website http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2006/jun06/06-27WGA.mspx which explains why the tool is necessary and the changes that have been made.
You can also read all about the tool, its purpose and the entire anti-piracy program at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine