That Microsoft decided to pursue this, especially in an instance where the person being sentenced is doing good work, is just ethically bankrupt all around. Even the judge mentioned having a hard time sentencing him because of the work he has done.

I know that my personal protest would do nothing, but this kind of operating corporate policy really just adds to my already strong disdain of Microsoft and companies that act like this. Zero nuance was applied in this case, and restore discs without licenses have zero value- Microsoft arguing otherwise is ridiculous.

I only use Windows for one specific usage case, gaming, and if it wasn't for that (or if Linux ever gets far more gaming support), I will drop Windows permanently for Linux.

I wish there was something we could do about this and the many injustices we say day-to-day, but I sure feel helpless.