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
