North Korea’s official news agency announced today that the military’s planned missile test had been put on hold because of “problems with Windows 8.”

Intelligence analysts said that the announcement gave rare insight into the inner workings of North Korea’s missile program, which until last year had been running on Windows 95.

The announcement from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not indicate a new scheduled time for a missile test, saying only that it was “working with Windows 8 support to resolve the issue.”

In the words of one intelligence analyst, “That means the test been delayed indefinitely.”

I am chortling at the thought of North Korean missile command on the phone to Redmond for tech support.

WHY IS THE SUBJECT SHOUTING AT ME?

MARK

I'll bet you they're using a pirated version. They wouldn't pay up for a license...... assuming the US government even allows software sales there.

It would have to be, as sanctions would not allow the sale of software or anything that could be used to enhance their nuclear program to be sold to North Korea.

As can be demonstrated Here.

“eBay’s policy prohibits the sale of most items that originate from North Korea due to sanctions enforced by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

“Therefore, as of April 9, 2013 we will no longer allow listings for stamps, coins or paper money from North Korea.”

You also agree that you will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture or production of nuclear, missiles, or chemical or biological weapons.

However, American export policy has for a very long time expressly prohibited the sale of anything that may be used to facilitate weapons productions. You will see this even in Apple's licence:


Why did I choose Apple as an example? Well, mostly because Amnesia uses one and should be aware that launching nukes would be in breach of the agreement.

Does US law cover anyone outside the US?

I was thinking the same when I read the headline, but the example you link isn't related. In the eBay example, North Korean money has only recently been banned:

This ban was not in place when they purchased their Windows 8 licence, and this example is regarding imports rather than exports.

However, American export policy has for a very long time expressly prohibited the sale of anything that may be used to facilitate weapons productions. You will see this even in Apple's licence:


Why did I choose Apple as an example? Well, mostly because Amnesia uses one and should be aware that launching nukes would be in breach of the agreement.

I was wondering if they had Clippy pop up and say "It looks like you are trying to make a nuclear bomb. Would you like help with that?"