The software protection platform (SPP) is Vista’s answer to Windows XP’s WGA (windows genuine advantage). Both are targeted at preventing software piracy. Actually, there are 3 pieces associated with WGA: WGA notification, WGA validation, and WPA (windows product activation).
SPP consists of the three WGA pieces rolled up into one. While WGA generally nagged the user to get a valid version of software, SPP forces the user. After several nag notifications Vista goes into reduced functionality mode (RFM). RFM consists of only the web browser; no start menu and no desktop. This scenario exists until the user corrects the invalid software problem.
You can read Microsoft’s position on software piracy here.
Doug
