The Browser usually tunes out media reports on Microsoft's Vista operating system - the wait has been interminable - but today there's actually news worth noting: Redmond has released the Vista's final test version, and the oft-delayed OS seems to be on track for a January "consumer" release. VNUNet reports that the last test version came only in September, so it seems the Vista train is picking up momentum.

In related news, InfoWorld and others are paying particularly close attention to the anti-piracy measures built into Vista and its close server-side OS cousin, Longhorn. The Microsoft
Software Protection Platform apparently limits the functionality available to users of unlicensed versions of Vista or Longhorn. This is what InfoWorld amusingly dubs "enhanced reduced functionality." The hope is that the new techniques will work out better than Redmond's somewhat troubled earlier efforts: "Microsoft has made more than a few missteps in previous attempts to reduce unauthorized use of its software." The pub points to this spring's controversial Windows Genuine Advantage security update. Critics branded it 'spyware' for installing itself secretly on users' PCs and then reporting personal information back to Microsoft.

Some companies can't shake the lingering Orwellian vibe. But in its defense, Redmond points out that, according to the Business Software Alliance, 35 percent of software installed worldwide in 2005 was pirated. Now that's a chunk of change for any company, especially Microsoft.