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What Is Software Piracy
What is software piracy?
There are several kinds of software piracy. The bottom
line is when software is pirated, the developer does
not receive compensation for their work.
Effects of Software Piracy
When software is pirated, consumers, software developers,
and resellers are harmed. Software piracy increases
the risk consumer's computers will be corrupted by defective
software and infected with viruses. Those who provide
defective and illegal software do not tend to provide
sales and technical support. Pirated software usually
has inadequate documentation, which prevents consumers
from enjoying the full benefits of the software package.
In addition, consumers are unable to take advantage
of technical support and product upgrades, which are
typically available to legitimate registered users of
the software. Pirated software can cost consumers lost
time and more money.
Developers lose revenue from pirated software, from
current products as well as from future programs. When
software is sold most developers invest a portion of
the revenue into future development and better software
packages. When software is pirated, software developers
lose revenue from the sale of their products, which
hinders development of new software and stifles the
growth of the software company.
Kinds of Piracy
End User Piracy -
Using multiple copies of a single software package on
several different systems or distributing registered
or licensed copies of software to others. Another common
form of end user piracy is when a cracked version of
the software is used. Hacking into the software and
disabling the copy protection, or illegally generating
key codes that unlocks the trial version making the
software a registered version creates a cracked version.
Reseller Piracy -
Reseller piracy occurs when an unscrupulous reseller
distributes multiple copies of a single software package
to different customers; this includes preloading systems
with software without providing original manuals &
diskettes. Reseller piracy also occurs when resellers
knowingly sell counterfeit versions of software to unsuspecting
customers.
Indications of reseller piracy are multiple users with
the same serial number, lack of original documentation
or an incomplete set, and non-matching documentation.
Trademark/Trade Name Infringement
Infringement occurs when an individual or dealer claims
to be authorized either as a technician, support provider
or reseller, or is improperly using a trademark or trade
name.
BBS/Internet Piracy -
BBS/ Internet Piracy occurs when there is an electronic
transfer of copyrighted software. If system operators
and/or users upload or download copyrighted software
and materials onto or from bulletin boards or the Internet
for others to copy and use without the proper license.
Often hackers will distribute or sell the hacked software
or cracked keys. The developer does not receive any
money for the software the hacker distributed. This
is an infringement on the developer's copyright.
Another technique used by software pirates is to illegally
obtain a registered copy of software. Pirates purchase
the software once and use it on multiple computers.
Purchasing software with a stolen credit card is another
form of software piracy. Unfortunately there are many
kinds of software piracy that has hampered the software
industry.
These types of software piracy have hampered the software
industry. For the software industry to prosper and further
develop useful software for consumers please support
and pay for software. This results in better software
for all.
To Report Piracy :
Software Information Industry Association
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc.
http://www.notepage.net
a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and
wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by
Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com
and http://www.small-business-software.net
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