Yes Harrison you're right, but that's the way software is going - purely a subscription based system that benefits the companies and their cash flow but limits consumers and their freedom.
I wouldn't be surprised that all commercial games and operating systems start to become a service rather than a product, where you agree to conditions and must pay them a monthly subscription fee. Once you stop paying the fee, you lose the software.
They'll do this under the guise that it's the only way they can combat piracy.
Problem is all these direct debits and long contracts we are being forced to adopt in modern society are great for businesses, but is a nightmare for consumers cash flow. Miss one wage or lose your job and you're in the sh*t, especially since you'll get charged an extortionate amount for each direct debit rejected! We really need to start fighting back and get the power of our finances back in our hands instead of us all being good little sheep.
Linux will probably come out the winner in the end however - in it's current state, it can do 99% of what an average home user needs out of a PC. Web surfing, emailing, picture editing, open office - all work flawlessly.
I'd imagine once support stops for XP Microsoft will probably end activation of new installs and only activate old copies. They may release a final service pack that removes activation, but that depends on how well the uptake of their latest product is going as they don't want everyone sat around refusing to upgrade.
Thank goodness for third party solutions!!!! I have bought one copy of Windows XP, but I refuse to buy several copies of the same operating system for each computer I own. I also get legit copies for family and friends. It should be one license per person/household, not per computer, for private non-commercial use.