Here's a paranoid thought. Upon reading an article from CNet about Microsoft keys to the new Server 2003 getting out on the net, I realized that it is in Microsoft's best interests to keep the software as buggy and susceptible to network-based attack as possible.

Comments by the spokesperson for Microsoft indicated that copies of the software installed using the leaked code "won't be able to install future updates or service packs of access Windows Update."

With the well-known problems with security and so forth in the Microsoft operating system line (28 "Critical" updates since Windows 2000 was released), it's no wonder that Microsoft is comfortable using the patching mechanism as a gate with for its security codes.

Once they find a compromised code, they just infuse the next update with a piece of code that disables the receiving machine and they're happy campers.