In the Symantec article “The Conficker Worm” in the section heading “Who is at risk?” Symantec states that: “Users who do not have a genuine version of Windows from Microsoft are most at risk since pirated system usually cannot get Microsoft updates and patches.” This simply is not true. Microsoft allows users who do not have genuine versions of Windows to download critical updates. Restrictions imposed on non-genuine Windows are related to product enhancements and add-ons that are normally offered for free to genuine Windows users only. For example, Office addons, templates etc or Microsoft Defender. However you should ask yourself why you would place all your personal and confidential information on a PC running an operating system you acquired from criminals! See http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/whyValidate.aspx for more information.