[MTOrlando]

Maybe if you consider criminal convictions for copyright infingement a "little effect".

All of those convictions have had no measurable effect on reducing the number of "systems builders" who load pirated software. Microsoft's own actions prove that what they've been doing doesn't work - otherwise, there would be no need for this amnesty program.

[Bush2000]

All of those convictions have had no measurable effect on reducing the number of "systems builders" who load pirated software.

And imagine my surprise to "discover" that convicting criminals doesn't eliminate all possible sources of crime. Who'd a thunk it?

Microsoft's own actions prove that what they've been doing doesn't work - otherwise, there would be no need for this amnesty program.

I disagree. It's yet one more approach to combating piracy. It doesn't eliminate criminal prosecution for copyright violation.